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that old. And most importantly, he seems nice.

"It's all right, now" I say.

"She waited a long time for us in the rain. A little internal heating?" and offers me a flask covered with red leather.

"I'm not thirsty, thanks."

"You don't have to be thirsty for whiskey!" Carlo laughs and takes the flask. He takes a couple of sips, gives it back to Hemingway.

"You sure? It's good for circulation," Hemingway says, handing it back to me.

"No, thank you. My circulation is fine now." More and more relaxed and happy I look around and: "Really a nice car" I say.

"Sorry, I forgot to introduce Ilero, my perfect driver," says Hemingway.

"Good morning, miss," says the man behind the wheel.

"Good morning." I say.

"Filthy thing in the day for the moment!" laughs Carlo.

"To the health of the girl who waited for us in the rain," says Hemingway, holding up the red leather flask. He turns back to me. He smiles and his eyes seem more alive. Then suddenly the smile disappears and: "Carlo told me you live across the river," he says.

"Yes, over the river."

"I remember the house. I remember the big trees. I went through it during the other war. Truly sorry we Americans destroyed it in this one. I hope you will be able to forgive us."

"War is a goddamn dirty whore." He bites...