By Enrico Maso, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 4
Although Giacomo has been very careful, there is someone in the town who has noticed the difference.
Umberto is an insurance agent and is concerned that among his clients there has recently been an increase in traffic accidents. Small accidents, with nobody hurt, nothing serious, but always in the evening!
It’s strange and rather annoying. Most evenings Umberto receives long phone calls from worried clients who’ve been involved in accidents. By the time they’ve finished talking, it’s too late for him to go to the cinema or whatever else he has planned to do.
One day, Umberto meets a traffic warden. The two of them chat about the traffic situation in the town. Umberto mentions his impression that there has been an increase in the number of traffic accidents.
“You’re absolutely right!” exclaims the warden “There has been an increase. Nothing serious so far, but it is a problem.”
“It’s a matter of public safety,” says Umberto “Something must be done about it.”
The warden agrees, says goodbye to Umberto, and goes to the police station to seek advice. At the police station Inspector Donato listens to his story and asks “These incidents are always in the evening you say?”
“Yes,” replies the warden, “It’s strange – I don’t know what the explanation is. But in the evening…..”
“What?”
“Nothing…. perhaps it’s just my impression..”
“And what’s that?”
“Well, these days, in the evening, there’s a different atmosphere! Magical almost…”
“Magical?” repeats Donato, “Oh, please! Go on, off you go now. Leave it to me.”
Donato is left alone in his office. He looks out of the window.
“Magical atmosphere…” he repeats to himself, “What nonsense!”
More?
Oppure scopri il testo in inglese con traduzione a fronte (.pdf) 