"What kind of question is that? It's really strange," said Luca after a short silence, as if bewilderment was speaking through him. Then he quickly added:
"No, you didn't kill any children... Did something happen?"
Strange... Why this dream, then?
Maldo's mind remained between the remnants of hazy images and the echoes of voices he couldn't quite remember. The feeling was too heavy to explain, but he finally said in a low voice:
"Don't mind my question... It was just a dream."
He slowly got out of bed, and golden light began to seep through the curtains. He approached the window and opened it; a cool breeze touched his face.
He contemplated the silent streets under the first rays of morning light, which reflected beautifully on the lake. His thoughts slowly crossed paths.
What was going on? Was the child real?
The idea lingered in his mind, and he couldn't find any logical explanation.
Behind him, Luca remained silent for a moment, then, a sudden wave of enthusiasm washed over him.
He opened Maldo's closet without hesitation and rummaged through the clothes inside until he pulled out a set of items that Daniel had previously given him as a gift.
"What are you doing?" Maldo asked, turning toward him after hearing the noise he made.
Luca smiled broadly and said enthusiastically,
"Did you forget? We're going out today! We're going to walk around the city, I can't wait any longer."
Maldo raised his eyebrows with obvious fatigue.
"I know... but my question is, what will you do with my clothes?"
Luca laughed lightly as he put his hands on his hips, then said confidently:
"I'm going to take a picture with them, of course, you idiot! I'll wear them to look charming."
"Charming, huh?" Maldo said dryly, looking away from Luca. "I'll ignore that word... for my peace of mind."
Then he calmly turned to his desk. It was his morning routine that he never gave up, writing every morning and evening.
He opened his leather notebook and picked up his pen, but the door suddenly burst open before he could write a word.
Daniel entered with confident steps and exaggerated elegance, a confident smile on his face.
"What a beautiful morning!" he roared, as usual. "Are you ready to go out?"
Maldo slowly raised his head and sighed deeply as he put his hand on his head.
"Mamma mia... I really want to disappear."
Luca laughed lightly and took two steps toward Daniel, turning around to show off his clothes.
"I'm ready. How do I look?"
Daniel glanced at him and smiled slyly.
"So that leaves only that lazybones..." He said it in a malicious tone that did not bode well, his eyes moving toward the corner where Maldo was sitting.
The two approached him slowly, their faces betraying their intentions.
"Wait!" Maldo raised his hands in surrender, a hint of sarcasm creeping into his voice.
"Okay, I'll get ready now, just don't come any closer."
They exchanged silent, triumphant glances as he hurriedly left the room.
A few minutes passed before he returned. He was as calm as ever, but his appearance seemed slightly different, more colorful but tidier.
He was dressed entirely in black: a high-necked blouse, a tight black jacket, and pants of the same dark shade. However, the high neck did not completely hide the tattoo that wrapped around his neck; fine lines formed a phoenix-like bird, which came to life whenever the light reflected on it.
"I'm ready," he said, crossing his fingers over his coat collar's edge.
Then he added in a more serious tone, "Where are we going now?"
Daniel clapped his hands excitedly, a broad smile spreading across his face.
"You'll find out soon enough! Let's go!"
As soon as they opened the door, a cold breeze swept in, carrying with it the scent of fresh snow and ancient stones, mixed with the indelible fragrance of history.
The city pulsed with a strange life—stone bridges stretched across a lake covered in a thin mist, vendors filled the squares with their laughter and calls, small carts were decorated with colorful fabrics, and the smell of roasted sweets wafted through the air.
They walked along the bridge overlooking the lake, snow falling lightly on their shoulders.
To Maldo, the scene seemed like a dream from another time, a world unlike the one he knew.
When they reached the heart of the city, the smell of coffee grew stronger, mingling with the aroma of hot dishes coming out of the cafes.
Amidst it all, the sound of a mandolin playing a sweet melody rose, accompanied by the laughter and applause of the people.
They stopped for a moment to watch the musician, an old man with a reassuring smile, surrounded by people dancing in a circle of simple joy.
Maldo paused for a moment, his eyes contemplating the scene with quiet amazement.
"What a sight..." he said in a low voice. "It's beautiful."
Luca suddenly laughed, then stretched out his arms and grabbed Maldo's hand on one side and Daniel's on the other.
"Let's go!" he said with sincere enthusiasm, pulling the two along with him through the crowd.
"I'm going to dance too!" Luca shouted excitedly and set off among the crowds without hesitation.
"That idiot... Don't let him get too far away!" Maldo muttered, then rushed after him, jostling through the crowd, trying to make his way through the circle filled with laughter and voices.
The atmosphere was warm despite the cold, the colors of the coats blending together, and the scattered snow reflecting the sparkling light.
When he reached the middle of the circle, he stopped suddenly.
There, in front of him, was a young girl wearing a green dress with white sleeves, moving lightly and happily.
But what took his breath away was not her beauty, but the way she moved.
Those steps...
The light turns, the simple tilt with the rhythm, even the movement of her hands was painfully familiar.
"It's..." he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible amid the applause and music.
"It's the same dance... Sally."
At that moment, Luca had reached her, laughing and dancing in front of her with childlike abandon, and the people around them applauded in strange harmony.
It was unusual. Luca, who was not normally visible to humans, had made his body tangible this time, visible like anyone else. His goal was simply to enjoy himself.
After a few minutes, the mandolin music gradually faded, and a warm silence fell over the square, followed by scattered laughter.
People began to retreat, and the musician bowed in greeting to those present. As for the girl, she approached Luca with a broad smile and extended her hand in gratitude.
"You were wonderful."
She was about to walk away, but suddenly stopped, as if something had caught her attention.
She turned slowly and looked directly at Maldo.
She smiled at him simply, then turned her back and walked lightly away into the crowd.
Her brown hair waved in the wind, and her green eyes had a warm sparkle. She seemed sociable and friendly, with a smile always on her face, and everyone around her laughing and chatting with her as if they had known her for a long time.
"Where did you guys go?" Daniel's voice came from behind Maldo, breathing heavily, "I lost you in the crowd!"
Luca laughed and waved his hand, saying, "That was really fun!" Then he approached them, still smiling enthusiastically.
Maldo contemplated the passersby for a moment before saying quietly, "Is the city always this crowded? Aren't they afraid of each other?"
Daniel replied with a slight smile, "No, this place is different from what I'm used to. I wouldn't say it's perfect, because in the end, you'll find bad people here too. Humans, Maldo... they're just fingers on a hand, similar in appearance, but different in character."
"Hmm... I see," Maldo muttered, his voice barely audible amid the noise of the market.
Daniel whistled softly and said, "Now, how about we get some delicious espresso?"
Luca's face lit up like a child who had heard the word "candy": "Espresso! How I crave one right now!"
When they arrived in front of the cafe, the three stopped. A colorful wooden sign hung above the door, with the words "Dolce Vita" written in bold letters.
The aroma of coffee wafted out from inside, mixed with low voices and scattered laughter, as if the place pulsed with a life of its own.
Maldo was overcome by a strange feeling for which he could find no reason. He frowned slightly and said in a calm voice:
"I feel negative energy coming from inside... I don't want to face it."
Luca, who was standing next to him, let out a short laugh and shook his head.
"Believe me, there's nothing negative there except you."
Maldo didn't respond, content to gaze silently at the café's facade, while Daniel said in a calm tone that betrayed his experience:
"You'll get used to this kind of gathering soon."
The tables around them were filled with people, their voices mingling with laughter and conversation, and there were only two empty tables in the corner of the café. They chose one of them and sat down, and as they were arranging their seats, the waiter approached them with a friendly smile.
"Welcome to our humble cafe. What would you like to order?" the waiter asked quietly.
Daniel smiled and turned his gaze to the table, saying confidently:
"Three cups of espresso, with tiramisu too, please."
The waiter nodded, saying quietly:
"Okay, your order will be ready in a moment."
Maldo sat quietly, his eyes following the surroundings, observing the movement of people and sounds, while Luca began to fidget a little in his chair, as if he couldn't wait for the espresso to arrive.
Moments later, the waiter quietly placed the cups on the table, the heat and aromas permeating the place, while Maldo continued to contemplate the glass beside him, which reflected the street and the people passing by.
Suddenly, he caught sight of the girl he had seen dancing earlier, running quickly and entering one of the side alleys. He was surprised.
What!
And then, thanks to his keen hearing, he picked up a sound that no one else heard: a sharp, sudden gunshot, even though his other ear was deaf.
He jumped to his feet, knocking his espresso cup to the floor, spilling coffee on the cold tiles, his hand shaking from the shock.
"What happened?" Daniel shouted anxiously, his voice rising above the murmur of the café and the voices of the customers.
"I'll be back!" Maldo shouted, quickly putting on his jacket. Then he sprinted toward the alley where the girl had entered, running fast, the cold stinging his face.
I'm sure I heard a gunshot... There's no way I could mistake that sound... No way...