by Stefania Zamagni, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 6 – An Artist’s Life
Montmartre, Paris.
The sun is shining in the little square, which is crowded with tourists. Fabrizio is walking among the artists who are selling their work to the tourists.
It’s springtime, and a light breeze is blowing.
Fabrizio decides to sit at a table outside a little café to enjoy the spring day.
He has been living in Paris for 5 years now, and his life has changed a great deal.
He often thinks of Italy and, of course, of Marianna.
After that afternoon when Signor Finelli threw him out of the house, he never managed to see her again.
He remembers going back to his flat in a kind of trance. He just couldn’t believe it was all over between them.
He had hoped that Marianna would have called him to try and put things right, but the phone didn’t ring.
He hadn’t heard from her again.
After a week he had left his flat and his old life.
As a farewell gesture. he had sent Marianna the painting of the poppy field. On its own, without a letter.
But there was still no response from her.
Beginning a new life in Paris had been hard at first.
He hadn’t known anyone, and hadn’t been able to speak or understand French.
But, little by little, he had learnt it.
Then, once he could speak, he had made new friends.
And he had worked, day and night!
He had taken a day job to pay the rent, while continuing to paint at night.
After a while, his fortunes had improved. People liked his paintings and they started to sell.
He found he no longer needed to worry about paying the rent, and was able to paint full time.
Is he happy?
He’s not sure. He’s stopped thinking about it.
For now he is satisfied with his life. He’s able to dedicate himself entirely to what he has always enjoyed doing, and he has no money worries.
Sometimes he does feel homesick for his city back in Italy, but he has built a new life for himself in Paris and has no desire to change it.
In a week’s time he is going home for a short visit. It’ll be just a few days, to see his family and those friends that are still there.
This will be his first time in Bologna in 5 years and he is feeling a little nervous at the thought of it.
He is taking his girlfriend, Dominique, with him. They have been together for several months and it will be nice to show her where he was born and grew up.
He hasn’t told her about Marianna, not yet.
After all, they may not even see her…
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