by Giovanni Galavotti, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 5 – Leonardo
The juggler has finished the show.
He passes his hat around among the spectators, some of whom put money in it.
The young man smiles as he thanks a man.
“Thank you, sir.”
Then, to a woman, “Thank you, madam.”
Eventually they all go, leaving only Marianna, who approaches the juggler.
“Thank YOU,” she says.
“Did you enjoy the show?” he asks her.
“Very much. But I must also thank you for this.”
Marianna shows him her purse, and the young man looks at her, surprised and frightened.
“I found it in a rubbish bin. I didn’t steal it! Don’t you believe me?”
“I believe you. And you have saved something in it which is very important to me.”
The young man is calmer now.
“I am Leonardo. And you?”
“Marianna….pleased to meet you. Would you like a coffee?”
“A coffee? If I drink coffee now I won’t sleep tonight. A beer would be better.”
He indicates the cap full of money. “This is on me.”
The two young people sit at a table in one of the bars that Marianna likes. Leonardo asks the waiter for a beer.
“What would you like?” he asks.
“I’ll have a beer, too, but a small one.”
“And some crisps, of course, “ he tells the waiter.
Leonardo smiles at Marianna.
She looks at him with curiosity, thinking,
“I like this young man, but what a strange life he has!
I wonder where he lives?”
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