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into the chair next to his. 'I'm damn happy to see you again.'

"'I'm happy too," said Ernesto. And after a short pause: 'I've been thinking about you, for four years.'

"'Really? Eh, yeah, do you remember our motto, at school? Semper fidelis. Come on, tell me about yourself. What are you doing?' 

"'A traveling salesman.'

"'Interesting. You will know a lot of places, new people, Married, children?' 

"'I have a wife, but no children unfortunately.' 

"'How is your wife?' 

"'She is a good woman.'

"'Do you work too?' 

"'Yes, at home, in the garden. We have a small house in the country and she takes care of everything.' 

"'Beautiful countryside! Pure air, tranquility, peace. In short, you are happy.'

"'I'm happy' Ernesto said and was ashamed of lying to a friend like that. But who knows if he's still a friend. Too often time wears out bonds, friendship. Besides, losers like me don't have friends anymore. 'And what are you doing?' he asked. 

"'I deal with books. Between us, I was lucky enough to marry a publisher's daughter.'

"'Oh how lucky, to be among the books," said Ernesto. 

"'Yeah. Ah yes, I remember: books have always been your passion. Do you still write?' Arnoldo asked, nodding to the waiter. 

"'I've just finished writing a novel,' Ernesto said and had the impression of blushing.

"'A glass of white wine for me too. Very cold, please,' Arnoldo said to the waiter. 'It's good to write, isn't it? Too much, 'he said, looking around. 'Yet, I confess, I...