Chapter 58

The Canal is no longer pink

When I entered the Gritti my heart is beating. Mr. Hemingway is waiting for me, I tell the doorman and he feels that I am blushing for having told a lie. But that's not entirely a lie. I know that Papa is always waiting for me...

Please tell the doorman not to warn him: I would like to surprise him. "At your orders, Miss Ivancich" he smiles and calls the boy to accompany me to the apartment. Climbing the ladder I realize that the boy is staring at me.

"Are you new here?" I ask him. 

"Yes, I've only recently been here. Do you know Mr. Hemingway well?" 

"Yes, I know him well..."

"A great man. Really a great man. Lucky you to be his friend!" 

We cross the corridor. We are in front of the door. The boy raises his hand, I tell him not to knock. The boy walks away, occasionally turning to look.

I slowly turn the handle. In the panes of the window his massive figure stands out against the light. And immobile. I close the door. He turns around.

We stand still for a moment, separated by a beam of light coming in from the other window. He opens his arms. I run towards him. His arms enclose me. I rest my...