by Stefania Zamagni, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 5 – How Long Does Happiness Last?
Days pass with no word from Marianna.
Then, finally, a letter arrives.
Dear Fabrizio
You can’t know how many times these past days I’ve dialled your number or started to write to you.
I wanted to explain what has happened and how I feel.
When my parents found out that we were seeing each other they were not happy. In fact, there was a big row. They don’t approve of our relationship and have forced me to choose!
Fabrizio, the days I’ve spent with you have been wonderful.
But I can’t go against my family with all that it would mean.
I would lose everything – home, job, support.
I’m sorry but I’m not as strong as you think I am. I wouldn’t be able to survive. Can you understand me?
Marianna
Fabrizio is stunned.
He reads the letter again, twice over, to make sure he has understood it, but he still can’t believe it.
He has to see her!
He has to speak to her and hear these words from her own mouth, in order to really be sure that they are true!
He rushes out of the house and doesn’t stop running until he reaches the Finellis’ villa.
This time, the door is opened by the maid, who won’t let him in.
Alerted to the situation, Signor Finelli appears and tells him to go away!
“I must see Marianna. I won’t go away until I’ve spoken with her.”
“Marianna doesn’t want to see you any more. Go home!”
“It’s not true! I don’t believe it!” shouts Fabrizio.
Pushing Signor Finelli out of the way, Fabrizio rushes to Marianna’s room. He finds her lying on her bed, crying.
He takes her in his arms and turns her face to his, but she won’t look at him.
“Go away, Fabrizio, we can’t see each other any more.”
Between sobs, she adds,
“It’s over, finished.”
“No! It can’t be!!”
At that moment, Signor Finelli, having followed Fabrizio up the stairs, enters the room and grabs him by the arm.
“I don’t want to see you in this house ever again!
And for that matter, in your flat either.
Be out of it by next week.
Find somewhere else to live!”
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