SHORT STORIES writing club My English School - Rimini
MYES RIMINI Writing Club 20/21 created by Edward Ariel & Jack Giuggioli Sound Engineering Laura Feccomandi
WITH
ISABELLA DI CICCO FILIPPO GATTEI MARIA CECILIA PECCI SIMONA PIOZZI
A word after a word after a word is Power Margaret Atwood
MYES RIMINI PRESS VIA CIRCONVALLAZIONE OCCIDENTALE 32 - RIMINI 0541.384056 - RIMINI@MYES.IT
quiet At
by
place
dawn,
many
he
“Great!” houses
Then,
the
a
the
soon
for
a
All
the
he
Behind
“This
the
just
woman
“What
is
at
was
a
plants
the
tree
at
look
highways, using
sunset,
no
for
the
he
jumping ships
saw
skyscrapers;
the
streets”.
on
the
of
an
he
fell
hill.
a
a
on
holds,
village,
only
Although
ancient
asleep
entered being
were
to
he
heard
the
a
a
few
tired,
portico.
on
the
museum,
he
HippoMa'
steps.
without
paying
mouse!
adorned
taffeta,
possible
he
Furthermore,
any
with
organza,
admire
a
coloured
chiffon
huge
park
curtains,
and in
damask.
the
back.
exclaimed.
someone
talking
in
another
room.
A
man,
the
the
corridor
woman
to
he
finally
woman
replied
“How
had all
fruit
plants
another
visitors
the
being a
are
boy
seen.
The
old
man’s
is
happened flowers
don't
in
the
that
all
park.
yellow,
cyclamen,
The
now
they
geraniums
blossom.
full
entering
voice).
possible
were
withered,
tapestry
boy’s
female
arrived”
the have
young
heard
never
roses
the
and
avoid
around,
the
the a
an
It
found
seemed
seemed
before,
and
more,
(it
of
in
holes.”
the
museum”
another
voice).
left
and
HippoMa'
HippoMa' entered
jumped
quickly
another
room.
into
As
he
depicting
an
voice.
voice
came
from
a
painting
lady.
“It's
impossible”
he
“Of
course,
possible!”
was
staring
She
looked
sober
it’s at
HippoMa’
like
Queen
elegance
imposing
than
thought.
the
and
it
the was
old
clear
Elizabeth,
a
queen.
lady
similar
replied
that
with
pearl
she
the
and
was
same
necklace,
from
losing
the her
hairstyle, but
she
way
she
patience. the
same
was
more
by Isabela Di Cicco
The
I
asked
the
all
dying
today
(it
man
changed;
are
old
as
of
silk,
sick?
violets
have
in
front
heaven!”
dying”
and
“You
and
rivers,
noise,
villa
in
luck
was
one
Suddenly,
looked
The
moment
is
have
said
and
no
HippoMa'
of
brown.
voice
roads
days,
people
balconies
it
getting
say
traffic,
thought,
up,
are
“Don't
to
crying.
are
mimosas
decided
museum.
he
slice
happened?”
“Another
mouse
hill.
fabrics:
curtains
place
a
and
lakes
splendid
course.
precious
a
“No
was
windows
of
of
stopped
woke
of
travelled
interminable
a
and
villa
He
smiling
saw
hill
ticket,
made
old
tomorrow”
as
HippoMà
crossed
three
few
the
it
He
bottom
HippoMa'
visit
city.
exclaimed
and
that
But,
after
he
climbed saw
the
trailers.
at
life,
live.
left
finally,
located
As
to
truck
and,
“I'll
metropolitan
The villa of precious fabrics
Stressed
painting
because
I
is
speaking
haven't
had
and
reading
my
breakfast
yet
and
breakfast
later.
thoughts!
I
am
Maybe
seeing
it
ghosts”
is
just
HippoMa'
thought.
“You
can
have
think
little
about
time.
abilities,
I
hear
because
The to
me,
was
museum
take
villagers
able
is
over
fabrics.
The
inhabitants
fired
and
villa
from
museum,
the
last the
but
news
and
so,
“OK,
but…
Amanda to
is
bought She
village Mr.
Smith,
and
so
are
me,
thanks
village.
to
No
because
your
one
we
intuitive
else
here
can
richest
man
convince to
sprinkles
in
the
village
government
protect
a
the
the
poison
and
park
that
kills
wants the
and
the
the
plants
a
a
very to
the
government low
build
by
skewed
against
the
price, a
inspection.
pretending
casino,
picture
voice,
custodians
to
He
to
get
will
them
buy
take
the
care
of
instead!”
and
shocked
by
the
terrible
asked:
you?”
to
it
world.
uncommon and the
richest
to
in
his
was
precious
all
the
have
its
diabolical
rich
countess,
and
she
for
who
loved
visited
she
plants.
and
to
plants
tourists,
build to
and
a
create
the
whole
museum.
wanted
plan
she
decided
fabrics
own
village,
ago”.
countries
so
attraction
the
a
fabrics
children
an
years
distant
donating
man
many
she
the
no
proud
out
that
and
became
and
carried
began
In
had
hill,
place
happy
all
Hippoma'
the
on
the
he
at
was
Amanda...and
This
was
the
unable
he
to
skills.
to
marched
there
a
marry
museum.
week,
this
your
trying are
planning
with
villa
to
Smith,
is
mesmerised
most
didn't
wonderful a
is
around
the
because
you
have
Mr
and
already
explained
travel
don't
Every
state
who
name
attract
listen
curtains.
he
was
here,
keepers
week
HippoMa'
“My
villa
the
pierces
to
danger.
the
and
are
they
in
that
precious
You
Now
to
against
take the
over
the
keepers
villa the
are
you
do
not
museum.
“Oh,
I’m
doing
sorry”
in
a
don't
trust
him.
know He
wardrobe, but
if
said
“It's
a
terrible
story.
But...what
picture?”
“You
tie,
Hippoma'
Mr.Smith”
seems
and you
he
is
look
something
wrong
magician,
put
a
good
always
into
in
his
like
Amanda
his
his
on
man.
elegantly
black
face…
spell
answered
me
in
and
is
you
this you
in
will
meet
and
a
black
sturdy suit
because
the
only
him,
as
understand
picture
are
you
tall
dressed
eyes,
I'm
He
“If
one
and
that
his
as
bow
there
servant,
that
a
is a
can
help
mean
and
mouse,
too.
me”.
Hippomà
realized
Amanda
could
He
glad
was
gravity
of
Hippoma'
the
the
coloured
“Hmm... thought. when
the
to
of
have
to
he
sun
men
liquid
One
shop
on
of
Anyway, three
had the
them he
men
was
kind…
had to
a
down,
Suddenly
three
same
He
borrowed went
Smith
discovered
ran
the
Mr.
the
situation.
darkness.
window,
be
the
distracted, When
that
to
buy
take a
camera
heard
climbed
but
his
he
a
was
action
camera.
and
special he
understood
the
immediately!
While
the
and
the
use
shopkeeper
money,
museum
outside
fence
a
but
don't
entered thud
the
powerful
power,
(mice
Hippomà
he
very
and
were
of
and
looked
spraying
was
course).
waited out a
of
in
the
strange,
plants.
is
tall
and
photographed
entered
the
as
sturdy
as
everything,
museum
and
a
wardrobe”
especially
sprayed
the
the
Hippoma' moments
curtains.
by Isabela Di Cicco
of
The villa of precious fabrics
“A
the
morning,
the
amazed
and
initially
Hippomà,
who
Amanda’s
painting
saw
that
was
writing
“Great!” and
be
The
days TV
the
the
local
saw
dark
that
in
the
to
on
police
portico,
as
the
photos
the
the
soon
although strange the
metropolitan
the
and
woke
a
desk!
office
ran
up.
painting,
to
the
“My
are
He
but
They
were
immediately.
into was
the
room
amazed
sitting
at
the
where
when desk
he
and
he
tired and
him
to
were
servant
ask
with
around
very
official for
casually
the
you of
saved
Mr.
the
Smith.
celebration
museum Mr.Smith
to
confer
lunches, an
at
municipal
eyes,
for
Hippomà:
parties
autograph.
looked
the
his
busy
his
his
When
himself coat
in
of
electrified
in
honour.
the a
arms, fur
interviews
ceremony
mirror but
and
All
and
then
his
he
curved
understood. and
hungry,
stressful
skyscrapers, life.
and
preparing
ceremony
band
circles
Hippomà”
you.
newspapers,
shining
dear
magician
we
Hippomà
Suddenly
traffic,
as not
of
stopped
ended, the
So,
spell
before
admired
back.
ran
under
exclaimed
citizenship
villagers
the
they
slept was
found
something.
Amanda
and
finally
then
was
arrested
honorary
for
Amanda
broke
will
had
keepers
he
village the
started to
pubs,
go
running back
his
toward
home.
friends
He and
the
exit
missed the
of the
quiet
The villa of precious fabrics
In
by Isabela Di Cicco
was
raining
strangely day so
silent
he
was
full
that
but
he
is
she
Ramon
was
a
to
love
with
her
his
did
she
and
all
the
city
Santa
of
Fe,
the
front
of
his
1960.
sound
of
glass
of
a
friend.
The
Buenos his
was
thoughts.
wine.
bar
Aires
His
was
That
mind
smoky,
was
noisy,
disappear?”
composer
have
over
hear
of
mind.
couldn’t
the
near
in
November
about
within Why
to
sad
care
musician he
3rd
wanted
didn’t
famous
emigrated
the
extremely
now?
moment,
Mercedes
it
travelled
“Where
become
day…
as
sad,
Ramon
that
that
of
known
that
world.
Buenos
Argentine
He
was
her,
was
a
in
born
the
love
in
for
a
and,
story
In
1939,
job
and
at
would
Federacion
1930.
staying
music
and
he
he
met
fell
in
immediately.
****
Merceditas, lived
with
mother
she
had
young, a
the
time.
him.
was
spirit
her
to
for
her
the
a tall
had
fields.
with
her
Noelia,
her
lot.
family
Noelia
she
farm
her.
very
and
She
had
and
thin
and
liked
married
She
but to
very
wanted
to
life.
like
of
her
mother
sacrifice.
but
man
wasn't
in
she
and,
but
had
Mercedes
attracted
independent
a
the
daughters
morning. hard
woman
had
attention
spirit,
normally,
inherited
unusual she
had
her
blond
not
for
hair
only
for
women
her
long
of
blond
the
center
and
was
to
her
and
the
wore
belief
As
after
a
was
a
for
child
shopping,
People that
Pedro
looked
she
played
drove
at
wanted
immensely he
she
and
her
to
her
tall
and
in
a
replace
didn’t
with
her
accept
every
day,
work.
generous
ensure
town
boots.
father
dead.
tired
humble
hard
she
common
loved
was
of
man.
better
He
future
wasn’t
to
his
strong
daughters,
but
Mercedes
Patricia. about
them
becoming
doctors
or
professors
and
wished
for
grandchildren.
that
fateful
usual,
broken
her
When
in
by
sister
she
wanted
day,
the
a
the
told
she
forever.
talked
“My
baby”
will
always
be
by
turned
hardly
breathe.
each
of
to
of
him
her
your
The
them
studying
Noelia.
stay
at
Patricia
beautiful closed
was
playing,
spring
her
day
book,
was
called
home.
standing
what
had
frozen.
didn’t
come
they
walked
as
a
Merceditas
understood
was
of
and
In
close
happened.
a
to
second,
her
together,
time
father's
danced
in
seemed
body, the
she
garden
future.
to
her
was
tranquillity
already
the
told
Noelia
The
Mercedes
about he
to
Noelia
remember
and
cry
her
had
arrived,
to
Merceditas
garden.
cry,
and
heart
stop
and
her
look
She
ran
close
her
cooking
worked
with
like
hair.
she
very
loved
every
father,
for
the
he
he
a
dreamed
her
to
and
that
worked
many
to
went
though
Pedro
as
and
her
walked
Meceditas
even
On
kiss
peasant
father,
was
loved
didn’t
her
also
black
a
happy
and
like
but
way
idea
He
was
who
who
She
with
motorcycle
strange
In
but
She
she
father’s
and
curly
of
her
young
tied.
When
he
lots
common,
eyes,
beauty
the
woman
Merceditas
her
hair
simple
character
grey
lost
sister
strength.
was
Physically,
Having
younger
daughters
singer
and
a
and
as
strong
called
family.
great
her
he
her
was
eyes
wake
be
her
and
mother, black
as
“you
side
and
daughter life
carried
of
must will and
the
for
the
always never
leave
hugged
three rest
follow
her
women of
their
your
heart.
Your
dad
you.” so
tightly
changed life
a
that
in
great
she
that pain
could
moment inside.
by Simona Piozzi
he
painful
was
Aires
where
his
folk
Merceditas
It
Mercedes was
enjoyed
particularly
music
sad
and
dancing.
because
she
The
missed
night
her
she
father
met
Ramon,
more
than
she
others
days. She
didn't
see
that
distracted
her
While
danced,
she
easier
to
get
that
girl,
until
morning
night
changed at
the
5
those
he
and
streets
calming came.
down.
He
came
to
the
free
whole
and
time,
her
happy
immediately
explain. to
sleep
felt
After
meet
most
the
he
kept for
and
a
but
and
a
the
again
minute.
was
and
as
his
music
the
that
strong
party next
made
feeling
they
day.
it for
chatted
Mercedes
was
Meeting
happy
as
that
ever
in
clothes,
bought
advance.
counting
the
As
he
had
in
his
life
a
bouquet
steps.
walked
It
for
two
hours
but
everywhere
and
never
knew
watched
woman
but
worried.
beautiful
counting
her
meeting
He
meeting
realized He
him.
for
anxious
his
to
looked
the
asked
felt
wore
he
couldn't
inside
he
went
light,
Ramon
couldn’t
time
her
yes.
something
p.m.
her.
he
Ramon
felt
he
replied
same
flowers
to
at
mind.
she
close
and
looked
him
from
afar
was
through
his
way
Mercedes that
until
she
of
of
never
Mercedes
saw
him
go
away Before
leaving
though to
he
didn't
Mercedes
mostly
by
Santa
Fe
Ramon
wrote
know
and
her
they
letter,
as
her
a
letter
address.
The
maintained
they
both
and
a
thought
letter
formal
continued
of
sending
eventually courtship
to
live
in
it
made
for
its
two
Buenos
even way
years,
Aires
and
respectively.
****
In
1941,
refused, Ramon
during
one
ending
the
continued
consequence
of
"Merceditas", music. has the A
The
been
two
In
to
the
send
pain
has
recorded
years. to
her
later
He
been by
her
he
asked
letters
caused the
by
her
most
than
for
his
to
90
many
unrequited
famous
translated
more
1980s
and
article
into
song
nine
marry
more
him
but
years.
love,
of
he
she
from
As
a
composed
Argentine
languages
performers
years
later
him
They
remained
again in
seriously
said
Ramon
but
another
his
wife
but
not
stop
even
about
her
marry
married
Argentine
invited
many
already
did
an
an
Ramón
loved
Mercedes
published
she
visits,
engagement.
considered
text
years
the
so,
his
and
popular the
different
song
parts
of
world.
few
him
of
to
he
trade her
two
was
one
made
met
of
She
yet
by
but
of
his
wife
belonging
his
Ramon
accepted Once
died that
after
bound
life.
interviewed
song.
again.
refused
her
day
the
Aires.
correspondence ill,
feeling
magazine
and
Buenos
the
that
woman
Mercedes
was the
again
he
able
and
to
find
invitation
and
asked
her
to
her.
until
the
another
end
of
marriage
1995
when
proposal.
he,
Again
no.
died
unrequited, Mercedes unrequited
on he
December left
died love
the
her
1995.
copyright
unmarried to
25,
on
of
July
In
his
extreme
Merceditas 8,
2001,
to
act her
taking
of in
the
love, his
eternally
will.
secret
of
this
grave.
Author's note: this tale is based on a true story, a story of love and music that marked the lives of two people, a story that is sometimes sad but also exciting and that has intrigued many people in the world of Argentine music. I don't know why, out of all the stories that I could have written and invented, I chose this one but I know that the day I started thinking about it I looked at an old black and white photo I received from school as a cue, I closed my eyes and started to feel this song within me that I have danced too many times and that transforms a tango room into a magical moment. We will never know what truth that lies behind this suffered love and perhaps this is what makes this song so special.
by Simona Piozzi
At
troubled
something
immediately
That
he
Merceditas
***
is
Mrs.
that
dancer
Hathaway
sitting
on
about
the
thought ground
something,
almost
fifty
women.
magician
his
of
was
moment,
his
right
young
daughter
(and
Hathaway’s that So
emanated
why
show? at
is
is
girl
in
the
dinner Molly
(as
the
was
the
be
so
show
had
knew
that
the
point
contact on
him
daughter). the
nightclub
like
she
a
stupid husband
male
pale
was
where
her
the
in
loved
his
his
What
felt
George
of
on
with
thought
never
Nor
consciousness
woman
She
stage,
around.
absently
at
body…
elbow
of
was
their
snatched
Mrs.
the
wine
smell
dancer.
that
smells
what
Mrs.
Hathaway club
of
young
George.
at
specific
their
young
night
a
point
leant
the
show the
in
she
the
she
directed
that
girl,
Mrs.
read
of
the
dose
that,
maintain
a
wore
in
for
of
wine,
at
really
with
made
her
satisfied
dead
tiny
and
her
work
and
thought
husband
similar
lightness
newspaper) father,
was
was the
stage
dress
when
the
scarves,
thirty
years
than
her
darkened
to
call
enough
even
was
to
close
older
face
learn
but
been
appear
look
the
decor,
have
her
would
in
her
her
coats
could
absent
death
public
Molly
because
Hathaway
her
ground
still
though
tired
at
husband, that
leg?”.
in
the
middle
while
she
was
during
of
a
looking
their
usual
after
days
later
when
entertainment.
she
the
on
looking
jealousy,
collected
from
the
her
even
knew
could
from
this
This
all
that
mind
of
his
she
she
of
husband’s
was
concentration
Focused
woman
my
the
look
painted
on
by
of
the
far
number
case
of
emptily
of
for in
but
However,
his
wine
the
her
on
room
makeup
even
the
look
to
Hathaway.
appeared
watching
from
sitting
Mrs.
evening, She
away
quantity
everybody
the
that
George.
his
to
age.
her
quite
minimal
in
old
two
really
almost
as
real
her
older
stage,
gave
an
him
a
face.
****
That
night
who
was
Mrs.
sleeping
continued and
to
see
thought
him
too
and
listened
the
but
night
Lately,
the
and
that
talk
Molly
he
that
being
her
was
all
right.
As
she
visited
She
had
careful
about she
his
his
to
not
feelings,
lay
in
fierce
determination
article
she
saw
her
Hathaway
already
again
son.
pushed
missing; ghosts
have
in
When
herself
then,
empty
her
the
the
wake
but
page
husband
would
as
his
them.
Even
have the
but
she
She
newspaper
George
of
wife,
George,
didn’t.
the
to
reminded
up
she
of
talked
in
evocated
the from
lost
her
up
ask
be she
that of
her
the
another
him
didn’t she
about
woken
up
dancer
at
he
probably
wasn’t
one
letters
floor:
and
so
sure
wrong,
that
and
while
the
image
to
cause take
that
suicide.
the
word
of of
with
he
the
had
to
was the
empty
would
nothing she
him
everything
thereafter has
saw
although
believe
who
of
was
remembered
Molly’s
elbow
Hathaway
what
shortly
emerged
reread
Mrs.
intrusive
everything,
onto
dark,
to
bed,
face
mind,
she
parents,
tried
an
over
to
girl,
local
been
felt
Molly,
they
the
worries
of
because
wanted
have
her
have
same
why
the
would
would
the
She
about
on
She
knew
he
silent.
assure
like
to
son.
She
when
to
was
of
sleep.
feelings.
son,
touch,
by
face
shared
tried
filled
side,
understood
current
expression
didn’t
their
her,
sombre,
usual
her
didn’t.
to
their
worried, her
she
have
her
to
about
club
wouldn’t about
Hathaway
lose
turning
last
death,
breath
be
she
became
time Mrs. felt
visible
by Filippo Gattei
the
knee.
on
she
feet
kind
dragging
although
that
while
the
a
arm
marriage,
expression, in
at
false
was
her
this
not
years
Not
putting
Elbows
“Why
Molly by
was
a
found
neighbour
rehearsal
of
colleague together floor,
girl
on
“I
did
body
chat,
Molly
the
to
macabre as
next
if
to
seemingly
An
a
pick
let
in
her
of
the
empty
that
the
as
On
the
so
the
of
the and
second Once
the
young
barbiturates
phone
the
to
open.
body of
go
club,
neighbour
half
cold
bottle
had
to
the
calls
flat.
The
at
up
her
by
Molly’s
smartphone.
lover
night
mysteriously
discovery
girl’s
with
of
door
asleep.
the
was
door
the
to
that
answering
and
the
found
went
wasn’t
entrance
upstairs
the
who
after
was
last
lay
open
on
message…
it”.
Sent
at
2
extreme made
am.
The
attempt
the
young
body be
about
the
When
Mrs.
until
two
message
to
inquirers
would
the
on
bed
afternoon
colleague
women
her
the
be
note after
days
explained
the
rescued
by
‘suicide’
without
speaking
later.
This,
the
to
in
open
door
recipient the
need
people
short,
of
was
what
the
the
of
close
of
an
to
message
autopsy
her.
the
flat,
an and
on
The
the
funeral
newspaper
wrote
death. Hathaway
read
it
she
already
knew
she
would
have
to
go
to
funeral.
****
“You’re Mrs.
always
Hathaway
come “Do
in
and
you
“That
it
to
to
but
Mrs.
in
“I
don’t
if
I
I’m
do
out
I’ve
result
lost
“What
that
to
“Dad
is
left
try
to
it
we
all
the
saying
she
went
every
hear
her
son
time
when
you
were
And say a
did
script
felt
her
I
use
and
that
heart
his
any
finish
anything
was
but
like
you
what
it,
face
remained
on.
day,
moment
didn’t
and
the
do
looked
eyes
your
my it
after
mop
back
back…
years
of
of
that, at
a
other
cleaning,
to
answer
stayed
he
knew
wring
thing,
but
the
dust
with
didn’t
she
a
you?”.
there
but
was
his
want
decided
to
the
her
dust
son
would
who
tried
toward
him.
submerge
us”
to
the
return
moment.
and
instead
I
he’s
have
and,
here?”
sure
I
you
go”.
a
headed of
getting
certain
I
was
help
a
she
a
from
“Why
do
someone?”
you her
day…
it
satisfaction
you
me.
The
why
also in
you
do
resist
the
house
can’t
kills
the
cleaning. exercise
dust.
I’ve
I
is
big
do
it
now
time.
You
You
and
can you
never
but
see also
thought
silence.
asked.
to
were
all,
helps
working,
immediately,
was
to
father
little
over
have
gone
to
a
your
while
do
effort
There
actually,
fine,
I
found
mind
you
and
ago,
work?
your
the
make
now
his
always
brings
visit,
if
smiled
battle”.
“Nothing,
“Ok,
it…
say
was
but
of
like
to
he
the
Hathaway
break
break
could
a
all
didn’t
answered.
house
from
she
her.
oxygenate it’s
say
to
asked
the
Mrs.
son
noticed the
floor,
him.
while
didn’t
diverted
continue
know,
asked
smile
the
her.
used
a
stone,
Hathaway
that
you
her
over
son
Hathaway
smile
behind
battle”
cleaning
resettle
from
it.
used
son
lost
her
head
what
because,
respect.
Mrs.
was
Hathaway
carved
ignore
her
Hathaway
that
time
face
he
sketch
battle,
This
“I
a
Mrs.
said
starts
to
Mrs.
to
gloomy.
lost
now
was
tried
“You
lifted
remember
younger?”
He
cleaning”.
go,
fine,
the
I
have
but
it
market”.
a
work
seems
meeting.
that
you
It
are.
was
just
Dad?”.
a
by Filippo Gattei
private
bed
show.
made
the
a
a
went
two
they
to
and
the
they
lying
close
her
knocked
the
inside,
in
Elbows
****
you
Mrs.
sure
you
Hathaway
“No
Mom,
was
already
“Even
it’s
if
threw
all
for
me,
“Ok
See
he of
don’t
was
the
want
you
to
tell
me
anything?
You
seem
in
pain”
herself.
out
don’t
something
want
right”,
almost
you
Mom.
don’t
to
let
soon,
no
longer
door talk
the
when to
dust
thank
looking
Mrs.
me
about
and
his
Hathaway
submerge
you”
at
your
mother
and
he
said:
pain,
please,
do
you”.
he
went
out
without
turning
around.
Elbows
“Are
****
are
death” “That
speaking
the
police
story
was
“Apparently The “I
man
yes,
not,
the
The
face
We
person
I
after
a
“I
saw
I
ask
“I
few
man
worry,
it’s
when
the
that
in
touch
sitting
in
with
before
front
of
him.
this
is
the
her
from
for
a
so
we
for
sentence.
guilty
party,
know
her
relationships,
usual
and
you
help”.
so
the
agent
statements
and
message
to
her
your
affair
the
tried
of
about
private
saw
her”.
suicide”.
know
a
you
and
had
done
be
sympathetic.
colleague,
relationship it
can
that
remain
she
vague
and
your
that
way…
he
asked
sent?”
you
“No,
I
didn’t”
“Because
you
“Because
I
a
sob.
“But
she
sent
seems
it
to
that
something.
never the
were
didn’t
it
she
me”.
she
What
trusted
should
we
that
you
would
have
think?
speak.
she
words
after
message
argued…”
“But
as
by
a
the we
man
message
frozen,
and
minutes
didn’t
mean,
these
was
asked
was
the
was
break.
by
“We’d
a
mobile,
confess,
you
understood The
she
man
Don’t
it
“Well,
her
she
answered.
surprised it
think to
searching
phone
statements
man
sure
have
the
looked
the
be
aren’t
of
breakup.
to
we
received
we
her
Can
you
were
only
“From
officer
you
procedure. are
everyone
over”
seemed
thought
“Oh
to
man
anything
anything,
man
like
hesitated
pronounced
do
the
done
with
right?
answered
this
“and
before?”
she
said
she’d
kill
herself”
pain. The
door
between
was
his
open.”
teeth.
argued?”
found
out
wasn’t.
she
Not
was
a
liar”
entirely,
the
answer
apparently”
was
the
said
almost
officer
with
commented
bitterly. “Are
you
“No.
As
afraid
going I
said
that
to
charge
there
now
is
me
no
you’ll
a
have
with
something?”.
court to
date
face
waiting
a
more
for
anyone.
severe
judge
Even for
if
a
I’m
long
time”. In
the
The
meantime,
man
else?”
was
he
message… officer
the
getting
said
in
besides
was
“No
one
but
can
forgive
officer
able you”
to
up
a
small
me?”. see
the
yourself”.
to
His
that
officer
stood
up
leave
when
voice, head his
as
opened he
bent
was the
the
asked
“Didn’t
was
face
said
and
door.
the
anyone towards
agent:
else the
“No
one
receive
the
ground,
but
the
hope
you
destroyed.
man
left
the
office.
“I
by Filippo Gattei
“We
An in
old the
woman
is
middle
row
empty
and
she
looking
is
it
older
people
pains
the
old
door
of
she
come
in.
coming man,
to
visible.
sunk
into
his
looks
at
again. a
thinks
two
shores, never
Now
touch
when
their that
sitting, He
she
runs
to
shores
An
with breath
won’t
the
elbow
like
a
eye.
She
light,
her
and
An
with and
elbow,
a
a
be
knee and
thrown An
sharp the
turns
back
again;
her
son
is
looking
her.
a
to
is
face
is
not
sure.
then
she
turns
falls
the
along
not
young
her
swirls
with
it.
between and
what
woman,
support
between
to
dust
bridge
was
but
a
his
she
a
are
notices
and
hammered
distance
at
by
who
incense
aisle
she
where
elbow
elbow
lap
coffin
what
central
the
the
but
like
the
entrance
people
she
swirling
back
son. She
of
and
up,
that
pallbearers
and
his
the
thoughts
life.
like
on
any
and
the
the
and
and
the
while
time
almost
see
on
floods
the
surrender looks
goes
place
begin
parent
at
colonnade
on
could
hood
last
around
legs
what
and
to
when
ceremony,
is
doesn’t
a
day
appearance,
Her
leant
be
looking
planted
walking
her
missing
pass.
is
She
her
it
about
function
the
takes
small,
is
could
of
a
the
familiar
elbow, of
turns
by
is
pews.
church
a
glass
family is
now
sure.
from
the
She
Sometimes,
the
elbows
who
who
really
of
she
of
light
his
has
is
coloured
the
be.
until
the
end
church
religious
without
coffin,
priest
back
keep
pain
is
tear
She
and
the
lines
The
church.
ceremony
prayers.
throughout
hidden
the
filtered
her
a
the
someone
more.
opened
the
of
The
between
in
towards
hands.
in
woman.
automatically
He
as
will
is
take
knees the
even
steps
although
rows,
absorbed
probably
back
first
spreading
in
old
coffin
woman
church
now
She
the
Once,
is
the
the
turns
the
into her
to
someone a
lap,
and
a
her
by Filippo Gattei
smoke
in
is
the
aisle,
at
up
because,
pains
old
woman
hurrying
Elbows
“****
upon
came he
to
a
the
and he
to
for
wanted, idea
be
the
bridges,
any
he
different
from
to
and
a
no
fact
So
the
king
world: day
he
the
Time
to
be
on
king
and
let
was
good
the
could
ideas
ran
projects
and
to
build
build
roads
progress,
couldn't
of
it,
first. time
it
But to
pay
to
be
in
for
the
fix
on
would
sometimes
to
fast
son
to
king
the
money
his
scientific
the
can
and
wanted
wanted
needs
(which
the
He
and
improve
died
great
thought
project
get
that
he
had
materials
was
and
problem:
he
king
king.
schools,
as
to
ideals
agriculture
single
time
sulkier
his
stable
condition,
he
but
in
they
they
were
to
his
had
and
able
want
he
to
eat
the
or
be
want
is
realised: be
the
hard),
materials
king's
mind
but
separeted
from
the
and in
he
spent
circles.
all
In
the
state.
able
conscious the
drink
thinking
changed.
were
make
almost
hands,
govern
nothing
people
sulkier,
head
counselors
and
one
and didn't
throne,
passing
only
of
a
and
which
the
result
his
honest
the
as
soon
Every
spoke,
good,
and
as
find
full
the
seen.
barely
was
do.
kingdom
improve
That
one
became
sitting
end,
to
The
could
young,
to
just
workers
workers.
quiet
people
wanted
better
time
find
was
wanted...
by
time
He
small
remembered
because
need
a
poorest
he
replaced
you
in
throne.
wanted
houses
time
The
to of
most
counselors
keep
being
the
truly
kingdom
only
important
were
in
a
administrators
decisions
was
the
king!
One
day
they
decided
ambassador
a
was
sure
a
child,
Imagine crying: his
the after
blue
“Oh,
may
again!” wake
up
better
of
the
his
heartfelt,
the
it
The
the
who
dawn,
in
of
be
women
and
colour,
day
in
were
of
hall All
of
themselves
a
display
goes
throne out
to
the
be
the
sending king
as
when
he
heard! old
the
words
man
king,
(and
girl
what
his
a
came
far-out
back
look
question
torpor
start
who
special
was
heart.
solution
can
world,
his
bright
in
fire
of
eventually
prize
and
the
They
and
the
palace the
short,
old to
women, all
stupidity
and
not
but
all
the
beaus
only
the
poor,
On
gates
same
the
was
blonde, and
in
mark):
weakness
cried
out
senses their
be
the
counselors
loud:
words:
in
succeeded
of
woken
own
passion
had
king been
desolate,
the
royal
chosen
a
man
in
this
agreed
be
the
most
brunette, poor
they
silliest
of
at
seen a
man.
were
the
and
crowd
and
most
every
creed
how
they
the
more
desperate
This
of
and
seemed in
break
that
poets,
and
the
performed
writers,
fired
of
countries,
with
all
rich,
only
presoumptousness.
only
the
beautiful
and
kingdom
thousands
redhead,
their
the
palace
day,
conquer
who
magicians,
the
to
female-kind
and
throughout
could
young,
show
of
the
target:
world,
the
sent
inviting
participate.
shamed
performed
loud.
a
throne
their
of
the
speech
five
his
the
What
over
those
and
saw
countries,
of
when
move
from
The
with
all
talented
on)
twilight
of
in
women
and
still
wandering
announcement
the
their
care
by
one...
nation
tall
worth.
they
need
of
with
couldn't
shaken
an
from
the
singers,
day
moving
away
senses!
only
would
counselors
started
they
be
wanted
of
intelligent
why
taken
king
go”.
woman?
front
thousands
can
would
every
him
counselors
a
could
women
You
king's
than
to
sent
suddenly
following
and
had
king
achievement that
long,
and
and
had
the
much made
result
Good
more
bad
(the
bored.
antechamber
counselors
being
and
actresses
and
fools
remained,
of
list At the
crying
by Maria Cecilia Pecci
speech
who
rouse
reaction
the
their
that
man
to
suggestions
else?
Desperate,
old
try
his
eyes,
“Anything
gentle
to
Once upon a time a king
“Once
they
behind
were
them
a
blowing
soft
voice
regained
control
and
they
against
the
saw
covered like
a
with
small
Unlike
that
the
king
Standing without said: me
the
farmer
and
do.
them.
maybe
reflects
So
the
his
guess
time
a
story
The
girl
She
with
tried
word. She
and
to
a
bow
evening had
about
the
what
had
allowed
informed girl
had
who Given
morning
what's
the
one
were
the
into
girl
like
those
took
tell
and
time
just I
a
only story
don't
know
you),
tell
on
once
on: me
his
“Once
a
story!
sofa,
upon
a
told
time
a
story...”
until
Stop
and
before
am
went
sitting
bow
funny
and
a
I
eye
a
servant:
me
a
because
you
I
king's
women
tricks
I'll
his
the
because
breath
tell
it!
it!
again:
to
the
king,
What
“I
don't
is
his
this
want
distracted
there
all
this
happening?”
smiling same
the
day
an
of
misterious, directly citizens,
all lucky
eyes
story?
to
hear
Rose, forget
stopped
to it's us
something
is!
my
a
The
son,
and
the
talk.
Bets
girl.
When
the
the
it
farm
when
surprised:
“Queen?
and
pure
sent
in
were
made
joy.
Her
so
queen”. What
lived
are
over
the
her. my
the
know
thinking the
but
She
bed... visible
the
village
her
for
you,
you
was
talking
was
of
day
when
haunts Why on
is
his
near
People
the
identity
friends,
who
country. it
with
happy Rose,
in
don't
busy,
happiness
on
to
she
of
thrilled,
came
full
turn
his
love!”
all
were
We're
Me?
toss
The
with
During
very
me
“I
stop
tale.
am
reminds
you're
news
I
about
him.
can't
her
and
cities
where
you're
I
was
was
wonderful!
with
with
lord,
the
lived,
me
to
questions
dealt
confident: I
be
schools
investigate.
king
one
wanted
these
to
the
he
with
to
everything
answer
his
about
him
no
wanted
finally
them
angry
because
all
word,
night
kingdom
man,
my
in
every
sleep,
old
a
dressed
raised
still
he
tormenting
for
Everything
barely
in
and
breakfast
shocked
was
of
he
had
that
first
ordered
day,
He
like
could
called
who
Afterwords
lived,
he
announcement
interested ran
I
behaved
country,
after
with
she
“My
countryside
subject
“Rose,
night:
said:
who
evening.
court
morning
man
educated)
she
girl,
old
that.
much
every
deal
ever
the
following
the
the
dejected,
girl I
not
always
me:
to
like of
in
The
previous
similar:
king,
in
Don't
conquer
room.
bed.
had
the
was
because
the
king
one
also
in
to
began:
some
the
where
knew
there
the
a
was
no
me
That
mean
She
out!”
talking
one
was,
red-haired
happy
no
she
happening
the
face,
didn't
the
king,
shouted
to
situation
girl
days but
went
treat
that
no
kingdom,
am
Get
left
while
girl,
said
the
following
I
a
story
“Stop
king
calmly
king
to
about
because
I'm
for
torpor.
a
of
which
followed family
by
only the the the
shouting:
congratulations! feeding
about?”
animals,
by Maria Cecilia Pecci
know
her,
the
a
servant:
way
happened
was
One
his
such
hall.
magic
told
time
what
king's
tales
do
took
the
shouted:
but
breackfast
impertinent
her.
this
a
So
told
cheeky?
and
that
(the
in
me,
upon
you
because
sofa,
his
face
dressed
the
straight
impertinent
She
his
story!
sofa,
speak
be
girl
a
Out!”
took
That
a
anger,
mocking
on
once
me
his
to
little
they
twilight
and
wandering
she
or
can't
the
hair
from
speak,
move
please,
want
sitting
continued
sparking You're
on
me,
I
situation”.
king,
tell
sitting
to
to
at
heard
Surprised,
red
entered
looking to
they
fact.
poems
educated.
don't
your
you
of
king.
curly
king
her,
way,
yellow-orange
laugh,
and
her
expect
tell
to
matter
room,
the
looked
before
allow
don't
listen
(I
the
to
can't
began:
servant:
king,
I
a
the
of
the
business
him
In
tangle
shake
come
of
him
much
But
I
a
I
not
which,
upon
for
majesty,
to
had
show
a
indecent
with
voice.
started
to
their
centre
waiting
tried
to
sun
this
speak
the
and
do
who
to
in
counselors
down
wasn't
only
in
“Your
watch
it
to
red
The
could
women
but
low
and
creature
answered
the
up
steam
asking
turned
freckles.
farmer
off
Once upon a time a king
While
read
where At
the
the
she
the
announcement
king
palace
was
of
guards,
Suddenly, the
we'll
talk
gently But
as
looking
didn't
explanation. summon The
me
king
marry
mind:
Those
girls
because my
You're
I
of
am
soon
now
you
room
at
a
fury.
but
after
“I'm
glad
meeting.
yours
must
of
Ignoring
in
her.
be
but
group
important
stood
move
want
am
the
obey.
and
leave.”
then
he
said
in
front
until
to
of
the
king
you
give
me.
Why
marry
me
an
did
you
me
king
and,
Moreover up
from
I
my
in
this
am
kingdom,
respecting
torpor,
you
won,
I
the
so
I'll
was
so
came
to
the
so
who
I
to
the
ambassadors,
first
thing
which
were
the
you
intelligent
those
He
you
faced
choose
beautiful,
one
who
able
Lucifer
me
rich,
only
talented
in
a
volcano
Intelligent? to
marry
after Fools!
me
but
in
shocked
me
because
read
and
that's
woman
I've
why
I
soul
why ever
am
I
money
and love
met
asking
you you you.
and you
I
to
me”.
the
snow
rays
of
pride
king
covering
the
warm
and
rose
sun,
indifferent
bud
with
melting
this
love
behaviour,
let
so
the
flower
declare the
love
can
Rose's
blossom
heart,
(hidden
in
freed
before)
for
blossom.
meeting
with
the
foreign
sure
some
months
For
they
happy
lived
making
a
a
king's
rich, ideas
ever
after,
peaceful could
later
governing
place
come
ambassadors
of
true.
it
the the
king
ended and
kingdom
because
satisfying
Rose
wisely
finally,
with
for
married
and
together
and
Rose's
help,
by Maria Cecilia Pecci
That's
my
my
only
me
to
me
combative side.
like
wanted
interested
were
my
and,
who
understand
by
it.
“Talented?
women
only
and
Did
offenses
not
You
can
you
All
said
feet...”
vane
was.
having
exploded:
were
with
the
Pretty?
these
They
most
happy
never
your
he
Only
be
of
voice
stupid!
at
paltry,
you
low
off
passive
king.
but
in
“What?
You're
only
presence
pretty?”
eyes.
the
me?”
the
inactivity,
everyone.
the
by
him:
be
where
my
I'll
“Why
themselves
crown,
opened
The
I'll
a
king
statues,
smiled an
the
disturbed.
like
palace,
ran. to
the
with
and
you
woke
better
at
pretty?
understood
from
busy
royal
with
be
stood
king
for
talk
entered
won't
I
must
are...
been
couldn't
years
the
“I
all
whispered
you
threw
many
her
he
have
I'm
king
Like
the
she
meeting
and
wait
why
of
you
patience:
that
who
marry
“First
shouting
because
know
to
the
door. to
know
subjects
“Because
himself
had
to
time,
couldn't
but
eyes:
embarrassed
would
and
the all
his
was,
antechamber:
want,
at
she
he
silent
to
here?”
her
king,
The
we
announcement:
lost
girls
in
want
and
surprised
He
the
go
a
and
I'm
to
in
door
now
as
second
and
fell
her
you”.
Rose The
the
towards
laughed:
command original
I
in
mean
straight
just
was
nations
but
as
her
So,
astonishment
me
long
guiding
Rose
of
invited
the
he
present
darling, for
for
opened
those
wait
her.
that
various
moment
here
Please,
asked,
Rose
all
first
you're
she
marry
answered
ambassadors the
would
which
Once upon a time a king
She
the
sensations
storm.
under
Red
the
sensitive thing
souls
we
refuge
have
the
Every
like
day,
from
around
the
called,
always
while
Please,
I
He
superior
have
an
Nightseller,
what
of
with
a
have for
some their
shadows,
soon
small
little
world's
nests,
all
find
the
cry;
this
make
and
From
gloomy
be
singing
their
in
we'll
The
been
rest.
but
before
colours
Nature!
sprigs
enjoy
and
calm
same
coloured
moment
shy
blossom. dawn,
the
bicycle
people
Nightseller
but
who
stops
need
makes
gladly
him
(of
his
when
course
trip
he
all
is
the
orders).
exam
give
the
his
help
to
the
pastel
which
or
flight
can
and
life...
birds,
trees
until
of
like
change
blues
food
in
rides
to
the
take
jasmine
ready
respecting
of
to
are
greatness
for
off
twilight
world.
“Tomorrow
looking
delicate
going
the
twilight:
themselves
is
twilight
brevity
to
raptors
at
Light
the
branches
night
close
flowers
at
flown
maybe,
flowers
black.
about
changes
felt
world
compared
among
trees,
be
this of
think
are
and
can
means
dominion
population day
which
and
me
I'm
some
not
more
ready hours
yet,
of
but
night
I
can
fix
that!
I'll
get
good
and
results”. “How
many
soon,
I
stars
could
pass
The
Nightseller
off
his
rack,
less,
glimpse “I
feel
of
so
tired,
him
whe and
I
hours
sky!
that
If
sunlight
comet
didn't
which
come
only
so
tonight
takes
a
and
the
his
box,
gently
black
hat
dust
off
in
which
is
gives with
to
greeting
attached
those
blue
and
who
glow
to
asked
and
gets the
for
it,
sometimes
a
slips goes
of
last
I
dark,
with
so
For her,
hard
her
the
come
his
over
dust
into
his
the
that
I
last so
the
same.
stars
few
as
days
May long
and
this as
I
night
be
possible!”
really
need
a
soon”.
tired
clothes
eyes are
then
white
leaves.
in
the
Nobody
front,
can
but
dark
night.
persuaded so
it's
watching
wouldn't
away:
blends
at
girl!
her
can
to
be
stay
with
more
me.
with
Come her
on,
and
gi'us
my
some
wife
will
know”. moon
can
he
dreams,
so a
in
a
for
night
next
for
him:
smile
return.
every
until
beautiful! poem
looks
gives
anything
rest...
is
write
Everybody and
stay
worked
he
he
“Nightseller,
so
hand
this
tomorrow
see
“This
can
I
Nightseller
never
He
opens
more,
with
I
The
more
he
his
little
that
wish
behind
clear
telescope
silently.
Then
dips
happy
“I'm
I
my
this
silver.
so
rest!
comes
a
longer, so
with
in
to
His
Please
her,
or
a
name
twilight.
story
lovers, he
says
dawn.
friend,
short
friends,
everyone,
until
my
Then
but he
for
poets,
fulfils
it,
allow
wish.
doesn't
comes
some
more
time
sad,
tired
men
you”. loving,
every he
me
back
He sell,
home
doesn't he to
want
donates
enjoy
the
by Maria Cecilia Pecci
little
seen
here”.
bicycle.
luggage
be
watch
will
a
can
The Nightseller
SThe