VII
Tuesday 31 August
A t the branch, this morning, a surprise.
«Francesco, is that you?»
I look up: «Hi Stefania. What are you doing here?»
She smiles: «What are you doing here?»
Stefania, as I mentioned, is my dearest childhood friend: she was my neighbour when my parents still lived in Ancona. All afternoons, after homework, we stayed together playing outside, when the weather permitted, or inside the house.
«Didn’t you work at the University?» she asks perplexed.
«I did, yes, but don’t you know the news?»
«It’s been a while, but seeing you here, I can imagine.» Stefania crosses her fingers on the desk.
«I stopped being made a fool of over there, and I’ve been a boring bank employee for two years now.» I can’t even finish the sentence that I already regret saying it.
«Thanks!
