Enrico Maso, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 7 – Going With The Flow
Following the crowd, Alberto begins to find his way, asking for directions, first from some tourists and then from a policeman, until finally he sees a large auditorium and hears promising sounds that suggest he is approaching his destination.
As at the Zattere, Alberto realises everyone else has had the same idea; the space is packed with people and he finds himself a very long way from the red carpet. He can barely make out where it is, let alone get near enough to ask for an autograph. I’m never going to do it like this, he thinks.
Standing in the middle of the crowd he hears all kinds of announcements: changes to the programme, critiques of the films, even news of guests that will not be attending. Alberto prays that Johnny Depp will not be one of them – that really would be the last straw!
Parched from standing in the sun, he goes in search of a drink. There’s a queue for the bar but amongst those waiting he sees two familiar faces – two of the DAMS students!
Greeting him, they tell him they have found an excellent place to get an autograph.
“Lucky you!” says Alberto.
“You can squeeze in with us if you like – we can make room for you,” one of them says.
“Really? Oh, if only…! Thank you, thank you!”
“You’re welcome, it’s nothing…”
“It is for me, guys, it’s very important.”
“Really? How is that?”
“It’s just that my girlfriend…” and Alberto begins to tell them about his idea while the two friends guide him to the rest of the group. They are right in the front row and all of them are keen to help Alberto in his impossible mission.
Just at that moment, a boat docks at the jetty…..