Spider's Game: Chapter 10

                                                                 10

A week had passed , so quiet , I did not receive new envelopes , no one had rushed at three in the morning to knock the door, and even the weather seemed to be improved.
" And yes, its a beautiful day, what luck! Today I want to take a stroll at the Foro Italico , a bit ' of sea air that can not be good for me . "
Usually the morning of my day off I spent sleeping or going to the grocery store at the mall, but today the weather was just beautiful , it looked like an early spring .
I was finishing lazy to get dressed when I heard the bell . - Who is it? - I was expecting the voice of Serena or Alexis, since they were the ones who enjoyed greater flexibility in work and study , and then often had the mornings free. Instead, I replied in a voice that did not know.
 - I am the engineer Tommasini - dry replied the man .
I stood motionless as a statue , I was paralyzed with astonishment " And this ? Where to check ? How did you find me ? Now they are dicks! "
 - Looking for Mr. Andrea Restivo . - I took courage , I settled his hair with his hand, and opened it - Yes, I am hello, please enter - I said these words so fast without looking at him in the eye , even keeping their heads down . As my eyes saliva materialized in front of me a big man , stout , balding with white hair , bulbous nose and round eyes hazel , was wrapped in a large faux leather jacket and wore glasses with a beautiful frame in tortoise. The engineer was really impressive , " if this gives me a punch , sends me to another world ."
I did sit in the living room , sat down in the chair and I on the couch in front of him . There was a silence that lasted an eternity. I was studying , watching me with those hazel eyes , I was doing an x-ray , read inside of me all the discounts and embarrassment I was feeling at that moment. I was about to speak , but he anticipated - Mr Restivo , I was very curious to know . I as I said I'm an engineer Tommasini , maybe my last name does not tell her anything. -
No, no , of course I said something , I was at his house. - Now I had to deal with the topic was pointless to pretend you do not remember , the man was able to recognize a person who very well mind I was sure. The engineer escaped a half-smile , I continued - I was going to meet you personally find it again to apologize to her for what she accidentally combined my dog. -
As soon as he had said these words appeared Chimay , who went immediately to know the new host, sniffed his shoes and did pretty much everything that dogs do pander to a person who does not know and who want to conquer . The engineer leaned toward Chimay, stroked it and put it on your legs. With amazement I saw that the dog was docile and immobile , she let caress it seemed that his master had always been him and me instead the intruder. "But we can do this with dogs ! " Thing a bit ' reassured me , usually people who love animals do not hate men.
- And you, the culprit? - Asked by sketching a beautiful smile.
- Yes, yes she is! - I lied , but all that mattered , for some things a dog was as good as another, and so I could not even to tell him everything.
The man as he continued to caress Chimay, adjusted his glasses , threw me another look and said - But do not worry, I did not come here to ask you some damage - and I emphasize the word damage by making a loud laugh - but for two reasons , the first to thank you for the flowers that gave to my servant, Ms. Rose . Gesture much appreciated. He knows it's not often that a young man presents a bouquet of roses . -
" Okay, and the second reason? Come on , tell me why you came . "
Tommasini stopped settled back in his chair , with Chimay still motionless on his legs . - The other reason I said - shooting , still studying me with his eyes that seemed to me at that moment two lasers - is that they are very curious , I wanted to meet you. My curiosity is aided by the fact that I'm retired now and I have so much of that free time , that if I could sell it making it very rich. - And here the man smiled , assuming , however, a melancholy expression .
- May I offer you some coffee? - I asked .
That man made ​​me tenderness , there was no real reason , I do not even know , I felt indebted to him , had stolen his memory , I came into his life and I had lied . Once I got the coffee , the engineer had a relaxed air , put down the cup on the table and said to me - I told her that they are now a bit ' of years in retirement , I 've always worked in my life . As a child I was an assistant to my father, he was an electrician , and at times when I did not study . Although I graduated with honors , my real school was my father , I learned so many things standing beside . My family was proud of me , no one had continued his studies until graduation , I was the first . And the pride of my father and my mother grew when I was able to graduate in engineering. I went to railways and remained there for more than thirty years. I have worked all my life .. -
I began to admire the man , I was convinced that people of older generations were stronger ones , the ones with the sweat of one's brow had created a degree of prosperity in Italy . They were people who had known hunger after the war , he knew what it meant to dirty their hands to work .
Sure , the job also gave me so much - he continued - I was able to marry and establish a family, to have two children, Alex and Luke, to study and to make them come true. Everything was fine, until the day when the fate would have it, my wife left us .. bad bad off and sucked the life gradually , until one day in August, when he died . -
The engineer paused , you could see how much it cost him to remember , and turn those memories into words. I felt almost physically felt the difficulty in telling , but I saw also that he did more than most seemed to get rid of a burden, as if the day of the death of his wife he had not spoken to anyone, and now it was ready to show his pain. He pulled from his pocket a handkerchief with which he wiped his glasses and began to tell .
- That tragedy also mark the end of our family. My daughter , in what later became her husband left for Australia, where he works as a marine biologist , also gave me grandchildren , that I have not known .. are seven years now, I have not seen every now and then I get a letter , where I talk about the pain he feels for his dead mother again . Luckily with the internet I was able to see my grandchildren , they are just beautiful.
My son Luke on the other hand , he found work in Gelsenkirchen in Germany , he married a German . Before , when I was still in service , whenever I had the holidays , I took the train and went to find them. But since I retired, I no longer want to move, so I'll see you at Christmas or in the summer when they spend the holidays in Sicily. -
- But why do not you go to find more often? - I asked , interrupting him.
- Why , it happens in the life of a man, when you want to stay with one person only .. loneliness .. -
Chimay jumped down from the legs of the engineer , yawned and stretched.
-It 's just a cute dog ! - Said the engineer - I can tell you that is forgiven . - He added , rising and adjusting his coat. I got me too , and I accompanied him to the door.
- Andrea , I can give her , do not you ? You might see me son or grandson . Andrea you seem a nice guy, it was a pleasure to meet you, sorry if I bored with the story of my life. As you can see , the last part I will reserve loneliness and regret. -
I was natural to give him a pat on the back , that man had conquered me , I opened the door to let him out, but I take this opportunity also to Chimay groped a flight, immediately froze , it was enough to order them to stop - Chimay stop! -
- You see - I said, turning to the man - he just a habit of running away ! -
I see - I see ! But it was not called Tweety ? - I asked the engineer.
- Well, yes , we say that it has so many nicknames . - Sketched a smile.
" Wow, Ms. Rose has made him a detailed report on all that has happened , if you can not remember the name of the dog. I need to speak with Serena, telling her of the meeting . " At that moment I remembered that the photo had been in his possession on the day of the meeting with Professor De Felice "I have to return the photo to Tommasini . "

IL GIOCO DEL RAGNO CAPITOLO 10

                                                10

Era trascorsa una settimana, in modo tranquillo, non ricevetti nuove buste, nessuno si era precipitato alle tre del mattino per bussarmi alla porta, e anche il tempo sembrava essere migliorato.

“E sì, proprio una bella giornata, che fortuna! Oggi voglio fare quattro passi al Foro Italico, un po’ d’aria di mare non può che farmi bene.”

Di solito le mattine del mio giorno libero le passavo dormendo o andando a fare la spesa al centro commerciale, ma oggi la giornata era proprio bella, sembrava un anticipo di primavera.

Stavo finendo pigramente di vestirmi, quando sentii suonare il campanello. – Chi è? – mi aspettavo la voce di Serena o di Alessio, visto che erano quelli che godevano di una maggiore flessibilità nel lavoro e nello studio e che quindi spesso avevano le mattinate libere. Invece mi rispose una voce che non conoscevo.

 – Sono l’ingegnere Tommasini – rispose secco l’uomo.

Rimasi immobile come una statua, ero paralizzato dallo stupore “ E questo? Da dove spunta? Come ha fatto a trovarmi? Ora sono cazzi!”

 – Cerco il signor Andrea Restivo. – Presi coraggio, mi sistemai i capelli con la mano, e aprii – Sì, sono io buongiorno, prego entri – dissi queste parole in modo velocissimo senza guardarlo negli occhi, anzi tenendo bassa la testa. Man mano che il mio sguardo saliva si materializzava davanti a me un uomo imponente, di corporatura massiccia, stempiato con i capelli bianchi, naso a patata e occhi tondi color nocciola, era avvolto in un grande giubbotto in finta pelle e portava gli occhiali con una bella montatura in tartaruga. L’ingegnere era proprio imponente “questo se mi da un cazzotto, mi manda all’altro mondo!”.

Lo feci accomodare in salotto, si sedette nella poltrona e io sul divano davanti a lui. Ci fu un silenzio che durò un’eternità. Mi stava studiando, mi scrutava con quegli occhi nocciola, mi stava facendo una radiografia, leggeva dentro di me tutto il disaggio e l’imbarazzo che stavo provando in quel momento. Stavo per parlare, ma lui mi anticipò – Signor Restivo, ero molto curioso di conoscerla. Io come le ho detto sono l’ingegner Tommasini, forse il mio cognome non le dice più niente. –

-No no, certo che mi dice qualcosa, sono stato a casa sua. – ormai dovevo affrontare l’argomento era inutile fingere di non ricordare, quell’uomo era capace di riconoscere benissimo una persona che mente ne ero certo. All’ingegnere sfuggì un mezzo sorriso, continuai – Avevo intenzione di venirla trovare nuovamente per scusarmi personalmente con lei, per quello che accidentalmente ha combinato il mio cane. -

Appena dette queste parole si presentò Chimay, che andò immediatamente a conoscere il nuovo ospite, gli annusò le scarpe e fece praticamente tutto quello che fanno i cani per arruffianarsi una persona che non conoscono e che vogliono conquistare. L’ingegnere si chinò verso Chimay, l’accarezzò e se la mise sulle gambe. Con stupore vidi che il cane rimase docile e immobile, si lasciava accarezzare sembrava proprio che il suo padrone fosse stato sempre lui e  io invece  l’intruso. “Però ci sa fare questo con i cani!” la cosa un po’ mi tranquillizzava, di solito le persone che amano gli animali non odiano gli uomini.

-E lei, la colpevole? – chiese abbozzando un bel sorriso.

– Si, si è lei! – mentii, ma tanto che importava, per certe cose un cane valeva l’altro, e così potevo evitare anche di raccontargli proprio tutto.

L’uomo mentre continuava ad accarezzare Chimay, si aggiustò gli occhiali, mi gettò un’altra occhiata e disse – Comunque non si preoccupi, non sono venuto qui certo per chiederle i danni – sottolineo la parola danni facendo una sonora risata – ma per due motivi, il primo per ringraziarla dei fiori che ha regalato alla mia domestica, la signora Rosa. Gesto che ha molto apprezzato. Sa non capita spesso che un giovane le regali un mazzo di rose. –

“Ok, e il secondo motivo? Dai dimmi perché sei venuto”.

Tommasini si fermò si sistemò meglio nella poltrona, con Chimay sempre immobile sulle sue gambe. – L’altro motivo le dicevo - riprese, continuando a studiarmi con i suoi occhi che mi sembravano in quel momento due laser – è che sono molto curioso, volevo conoscerla. La mia curiosità è aiutata anche dal fatto che sono in pensione e oramai ho tanto di quel tempo libero, che se potessi, venderei diventando così molto ricco. – E qui l’uomo fece un sorriso, assumendo però un’espressione malinconica.

-Le posso offrire un caffè? – chiesi.

Quell’uomo mi faceva tenerezza, non c’era un vero e proprio motivo, non lo conoscevo nemmeno, mi sentivo in debito con lui, avevo rubato un suo ricordo, ero entrato nella sua vita e gli avevo mentito. Una volta preso il caffè, l’ingegnere ebbe un’aria rilassata, posò la tazzina sul tavolino e mi disse – Le dicevo che sono ormai da un po’ di anni in pensione, io nella mia vita ho sempre lavorato. Da piccolo facevo l’aiutante di mio padre, lui era un elettricista, e nei momenti in cui non studiavo. Anche se mi diplomai col massimo dei voti, la mia vera scuola fu mio padre, imparai tante cose standogli accanto. La mia famiglia era orgogliosa di me, nessuno aveva continuato gli studi fino al diploma, io ero stato il primo. E l’orgoglio di mio padre e di mia madre aumentò, quando riuscii a laurearmi in ingegneria. Entrai alle ferrovie e rimasi li per più di trenta anni. Ho lavorato tutta la vita..-

Cominciavo ad ammirare quell’uomo, ero convinto che le persone delle generazioni più vecchie erano quelle più forti, quelle che col sudore della propria fronte avevano creato un certo benessere in Italia. Era gente che aveva conosciuto la fame del dopo guerra, che sapeva cosa significava sporcarsi le mani per lavorare.

-Certo, il lavoro mi ha anche dato tanto – continuò – sono riuscito a sposarmi, e a creare una famiglia, ad avere due figli, Alessandra e Luca, a farli studiare e a realizzarsi. Tutto andava bene, fino al giorno in cui il destino ha voluto che mia moglie ci lasciasse.. un brutto male le tolse e le succhiò a poco a poco la vita, fino a un giorno di Agosto in cui si spense. –

L’ingegnere fece una pausa, si vedeva quanto gli costava ricordare, e trasformare quei ricordi in parole. Sentivo quasi fisicamente la difficoltà che provava nel raccontare, ma vedevo anche che più lo faceva più sembrava liberarsi da un peso, come se dal giorno della morte di sua moglie lui non avesse più parlato con nessuno, ed ora invece si sentiva pronto a mostrare il suo dolore. Tirò fuori dalla tasca una pezzuola con la quale si pulì le lenti degli occhiali e riprese a raccontare.

– Quella tragedia segno anche la fine della nostra famiglia. Mia figlia, con quello che diventò poi suo marito, partii per l’Australia, dove lavora come biologa marina, mi ha dato anche dei nipoti, che ancora non ho conosciuto.. sono ormai sette anni che non la vedo, ogni tanto ricevo una sua lettera, dove mi parla del dolore che prova ancora per la madre morta. Per fortuna con internet sono riuscito a vedere i miei nipoti, sono proprio belli.

Mio figlio Luca invece, ha trovato lavoro a Gelsenkirchen in Germania, ha sposato una tedesca. Prima, quando ancora ero in servizio, ogni volta che avevo delle ferie, prendevo il treno e andavo a trovarli. Ma da quando sono in pensione, non ho più voglia di muovermi, così ci vediamo durante le feste natalizie o in estate, quando trascorrono le vacanze in Sicilia. –

- Ma perché non lo va a trovare più spesso? – chiesi, interrompendolo.

- Perché, capita nella vita di un uomo, il momento in cui si desidera rimanere con una persona soltanto.. la solitudine.. -

Chimay saltò giù dalle gambe dell’ingegnere, sbadigliò e si stiracchiò.

-E’ proprio un cane simpatico! – disse l’ingegnere – le posso dire che è perdonata.- aggiunse, alzandosi, e sistemandosi il soprabito. Mi alzai pure io, e lo accompagnai alla porta.

– Andrea, posso darle del tu, no? Potrebbe venirmi figlio o nipote. Andrea tu mi sembri un bravo ragazzo, è stato un piacere conoscerti, scusa se ti ho tediato col racconto della mia vita. Come vedi,  l’ultima parte mi riserverà solitudine e 

rimpianti. –

Mi venne naturale dargli una pacca sulla spalla, quell’uomo mi aveva conquistato, aprii la porta, per permettergli di uscire, ma ne approfitto anche Chimay per tentare una fuga,  la bloccai subito, bastò ordinarle di fermarsi – Chimay fermati! –

-Vede – dissi rivolgendomi all’uomo – ha proprio il vizio di scappare! –

-Vedo vedo! Ma non si chiamava Titti? – mi chiese l’ingegnere.

– Beh si, diciamo che ha tanti nomignoli. – abbozzai sorridendo.

“Caspita, la signora Rosa gli avrà fatto un rapporto dettagliato su tutto quello che è successo, se riesce a ricordarsi il nome del cane. Devo parlare con Serena, raccontarle dell’incontro”. In quel momento ricordai che la foto era rimasta in suo possesso dal giorno dell’incontro col professore De Felice “Devo restituire la foto a Tommasini.”

Palermo, i palermitani e Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia pani vurria, pani nu nn’hauiu, accussì mi staiu  (Santa Lucia vorrei del pane, ma pane non ho, digiuno mi sto).

Cari amici, oggi per i Palermitani non è una giornata qualunque, oggi è Santa Lucia.

Nel Seicento la mia città fu attraversata da un periodo di lunga carestia ( e quando mai, sempre cose belle ). Il popolo era affamato, stiamo parlando del Seicento, ancora non c’era Letta al governo e la Sicilia non era unita all’Italia. I palermitani invocavano aiuto appellandosi a tutti i Santi.. ebbene il giorno di Santa Lucia una nave carica di grano attraccò al porto, fu la salvezza per i cittadini, che avevano talmente fame che si mangiarono il grano crudo senza panificarlo.

Tornando ai nostri giorni, la tradizione di onorare la Santa è ancora viva in noi palermitani, la tradizione è forte e ben radicata.

Cosa accade a Palermo in questo ore?

Il tredici di dicembre è vietato, ripeto vietato ;), mangiare pane e pasta per l’intero giorno. I panifici sono chiusi. Gli unici alimenti concessi sono le famose arancine ( aPalermo le arancine sono femmine, a Catania sono gli arancini, ma quelli sono maschilisti, un po’ arretrati ;) ) , poi le panelle. Ovviamente non ci facciamo mancare il dolce.. il dolce in questione è la cuccìa.

Entriamo nel dettaglio e partiamo dalle arancine.

Le  arancine sono delle polpette di riso, dei supllì, secondo la tradizione ripiene di carne o formaggio e prosciutto.  Vengono chiamate arancine alla carne, quelle ripiene di tritato ed hanno una forma sferica, al burro quelle ripiene di mozzarella e prosciutto cotto ed hanno una forma conica. Oggi nei bar se ne trovano ripiene di ogni tipo di condimento ad esempio con spinaci, alla norma, al salmone, ripiene di funghi, ci sono anche quelle dolci con farcitura di nutella (mia assaggiate).

Le panelle invece vengono preparate con farina di ceci, acqua e prezzemolo. La farina viene sciolta in acqua salata e viene girata con un mestolo fino a farla diventare una pasta cremosa, poi viene stesa su un piano, tagliata e poi fritta. Di solito la si mangia nella pagnotta con le crocchè (crocchette di patate).

La cuccìa invece è un dolce squisito, ma abbastanza complesso da preparare vi allego la ricetta, è una crema che ha come ingredienti principali il grano e la ricotta, c’è anche la versione con grano ricotta e cioccolato.

Eh si i tempi sono proprio cambiati una volta i palermitani aspettavano un carico di grano per sfamarsi, oggi invece la sera del tredici dicembre attendono un carico di Malox che possa aiutarci nella digestione!

Ricetta Arancine alla carne:

Fate cuocere in acqua salata abbondante 350 gr. di riso (da risotto), si consiglia anche due giorni prima di fare questa operazione, così l’arancina risulterà solida alla frittura. Scolatelo al dente ad amalgamatevi 2 uova, 1 bustina di di zafferano a filamenti, sciolto in acqua tiepida, 2 cucchiai di formaggio pecorino grattugiato. Avrete preventivamente preparato un normale ragù piuttosto denso, al quale avrete aggiunto 100 gr. di piselli sgusciati. Disponete una porzione di riso nel palmo di una mano, al centro versate una porzione di ragù che chiuderete con altro riso. Lavorando con ambedue le mani, formate una palla, continuando sino ad esaurimento del riso e del condimento. Passate le arancine alla farina, al bianco d’uovo battuto, poi nel pangrattato ed infine friggetele in olio bollente.

Ricetta Cuccìa:

Ingredienti:

500 grammi di frumento tenero
Un pizzico di sale
1,5 chili di ricotta di pecora freschissima
450 grammi di zucchero semolato
300 grammi di capello d’angelo
150 grammi cioccolato fondente (a gocce o a pezzettini)
Granella di pistacchio q.b.
Cannella in polvere q.b.

Procedimento per cucinare il frumento

Mettete Il frumento  in acqua tre giorni prima della preparazione della cuccia, cambiando l’acqua ogni giorno.
Prima di cucinarlo scolarlo e metterlo in un tegame ricoprendolo d’acqua e aggiungendo un pizzico di sale. A questo punto si deve procedere alla cottura, che tradizionalmente si protrae per 6 – 8 ore a fiamma bassissima, lasciandolo riposare nell’acqua di cottura, coperto per tutta la notte. Io vi consiglio, per abbreviare di moltissimo i tempi di cottura, di usare la pentola a pressione nella seguente maniera: dopo avere ammolato il grano per tre giorni, metterlo nella pentola a pressione con acqua che non superi il limite indicato dalla stessa, con un pizzico di sale e cuocere per 45 – 50 minuti lasciandolo poi a raffreddare nell’acqua di cottura.

Prepariamo la crema di ricotta

Mettere la ricotta con lo zucchero in una ciotola abbastanza capiente e lavorarla con le fruste, possibilmente con uno sbattitore. Lasciarla riposare per circa mezz’ora, quindi aggiungere il capello d'angelo tagliato a piccoli cubetti e le gocce di cioccolato fondente.

Scolare bene il frumento, ormai freddo e aggiungerlo alla crema,  amalgamando accuratamente.
Si serve in ciotoline cospargendovi sopra la granella di pistacchi e cannella in polvere.

Ringrazio per la parte pratica mia madre J

Arancine alla carne, forma sferica ;)

Arancine al burro, forma conica u.u

Arancine fritte

Arancine al burro fritte

Cuccìa

Ricetta delle arancine in dialetto e in basso traduzione in italiano

Spider's Game: Chapter 9

                                                                          9

When Serena knocked on my door , I was already ready for several hours , I had been up all night like a fool , with the sheet that I had found in his hand. I was devastated , pale and two dark circles that never end . I decided to keep to myself what had happened during the night, Serena would be worried unnecessarily , and then I was not sure what I should tell. At that moment I had only uncertainty , I envied my maniac who claimed to know who I was , "Blessed is he who has all these certainties ." Before opening the door , I looked in the mirror " Perfect , I hope not to take a shot , I look like a dead man. " Opened and showed her my best smile.

- Serena Hello , good morning! - I said - I'm ready ! We can go , they are just

curious about this professor . -

" A curiosity that can not understand! " Really interested me little or nothing , but I needed to get out and distract me , and I was glad to spend a day with her.

 - Andrea , come , soon, the lesson begins at noon . What excites me a lot. - You could see that he was just gassed , there was the smell of adventure, and mystery.

We managed to arrive on time, was ten minutes before noon .

- The lesson must be taken here , classroom amphitheater F150 - said showing me one of his

usual friendly smiles. We settled up, the room was not very crowded , it was a matter complementary Serena explained to me , so not very busy .

The professor showed up on time at the beginning of the hour, looked completely different from what was supposed to be him as a young man .

- Get the picture - I rebuked my friend . I took the photo from his jacket pocket and

I passed it to him , examined it carefully, then walked over to my ear and whispered his judgment - For me he is , look at the shape of the eyes . -

I took the photos, I compared with the silhouette and with the professor's face . Of course, if he was, the weather had completely transformed. Professor De Felice was now a very fat man , almost completely bald , had two well-groomed white mustache , seemed to those of Victor Emmanuel , wearing a pair of round glasses that accentuated the roundness of her face , dressed in a very classic dress pochet clear with purple and bow tie with white polka dots.

- But are you sure you like him ? - I asked, puzzled, Serena came over and whispered to me

- I'll tell you that for me it is him , I say , look at the shape of the eyes . -

"Women have more certainties of us males , they call it the sixth sense."

 The lesson seemed to me a bit ' boring , he was speaking of the Roman aqueducts , sleep was beginning to be felt, and increased when the windows were darkened for slide show "now is the right ambiance for sleep ," I thought . Serena patted me on the arm , and gave me a smile.

- You look tired , is the lesson or not you sleep last night ? Have you thought about your beautiful? -

At that joke I remembered the dream I had had the night before.

 "True, I have to call Sophia, I want to ask how he is. The dream of yesterday was very strange "

 - Huh? But no, you say! This is the lesson that makes me sleep - I said, winking at her .

 After an hour, Serena, fast as lightning rushed down to the chair , beckoned me to follow her, waited for the cabin of students around him had vanished and joined him in the street.

- Professor, aspects - almost screamed Serena , the professor stopped and turned with air

questioningly.

- Professor , hello, excuse us , we would have something to ask you. -

- Okay - he answered - but you know, that there are also days when I get in the afternoon, and you can ask me anything about the program. Anyway, I'm listening , concerns the explanation of today? I never noticed in class. -

-Here's a professor - said Serena - really , we are not her pupils and do not follow its course. And what we would like to ask you not to its subject. -

The professor , scratched his chin adjusted his glasses , looked at his watch and said ,

- Well, I'm listening , but head towards the bar, is the one and I would like to get me a coffee. -

- Professor - began my friend - I found it by chance among the old papers of my uncle , who died recently , this photo . -

He pulled out of his jacket and handed the photo .

- Well, I wanted to know if this guy is indicated by its name or whether she is a case of coincidence . -

The professor examined it carefully , then handed the photo back to Serena put it back into your pocket - No, not me, perhaps a cousin of mine , I have a cousin of the same name . But , can I ask you something? -

Sure . -

- She happens to be the granddaughter of the engineer Leone ? That engineer Leone ? -

- Yes - said dry , looked with dismay , " What the hell is he saying? " Threw me an amused look - Yes, I am one of the grandchildren of the engineer killed in November last year, I found this picture and I wanted to meet these people indicated in the photo to talk to my uncle, did not know him well, I wanted to hear stories about him from people who knew him . Unfortunately, it seems I made ​​a hole in the water. - The professor scratched her chin - I - said - I do not know , I can not even tell if it's him or not in that picture . But - continued with a little ' embarrassment - the case of his murder me aroused much curiosity , I must admit. -

- Oh yes professor , will continue to speak everywhere. - Serena tried to get it out of embarrassment .

Once at the bar, I cleared my throat , until that moment I had not opened his mouth - Professor , can I get you anything ? - I said.

- Thank you, we gladly accept . - answered

- What can I offer ? -

- An arancina[1] with meat and a cola should be fine. - Answered .

" In the face of 'll just have a coffee" , then I turned to Serena - What are you having ? -

- For me a coffee, thanks Andrea . -

They sat down at a table , I went to get the drinks "It 's one and a half , I take another arancina butter and eat me too. "

-Here's to you - I put the orders on the table , the professor threw himself eagerly on the package that contained the arancini , grabbed the meat , and he ate almost half a bite .

 - Oh, thank you , I see that I even took the butter . He did not have , but I'll eat with pleasure. -

" And in fact I did not have " I filled a glass of water and I continued to listen to the two .

- As I was saying - the professor went on - the murder of his uncle me aroused much curiosity. For the manner in which he was killed, for signs that led to the body and the place where it was found. I thought it could not be a regular homicide. - "What do you mean by normal , this pimp, only he

 knows . "

- You know what I connect the murder of Leo ? - He asked, as he took in his hands the second arancina ,

- What ? - I asked in unison and Serena

 - For a fight between religion and science , in this case the first shot has settled religion to science ! -

Serena looked at him doubtfully - You want to say , that we face the showdown between two sects of fanatics ? A nun and a positivist ? - Serena said . " I'm going to burst out laughing, "

- Somehow - the professor said - you know where the body was found ? in front of the fountain in Piazza Pretoria, the fountain is called Fountain of Shame . Not only because they are depicted statues of naked men . But because the fountain was commissioned by the Senate Sicilian , by enlightened people , that inspired by the cultural climate that was spreading in Europe, bought a villa in Tuscany and positioned themselves in front of the seat of the Senate , in the midst of the famous churches city ​​, with its geometry reminiscent of the shape of the female reproductive system , consisting of naked pagans , was a slap to the church hierarchy towns . -

" This is crazy " - Excuse me. - I interrupted him - but if so, it is the events of three centuries ago, now a clash between science and faith in Palermo I think there is , because there is very little science in this city. -

The professor drank coca cola, you laughed and said - is true, this city is more intellectually speaking died of an Egyptian mummy , let us not forget , however , that fanaticism is very different from the culture , and the fanaticism never dies, and is always present . However, if you want to know more come and visit me here in the studio in the faculty, I would like to continue the discussion with you. -

He looked forward and took leave of us - now I have to run , my sister will be waiting for lunch. He invited me ! Ah these relatives that hassle! It ' been a pleasure. And I'm sorry again for his uncle - he said to Serena .

Serena and I were left staring at each other for a minute , we were both stunned .

- Well - I said - here's another crazy ! I did not understand anything of what he said , I just know that there has scrounged the snack, and that the person in the photo is not him. -

Serena shook her head - No Andrew, it's him, it's him , trust my sixth sense. -

- But why tell a lie then? - I asked . My friend got picked up her bag and said - Well, maybe it does not want to be caught up in this story, maybe he does not trust us. However, the up! We have to go ! - Where? - I asked - but to do the shopping for dinner tonight , you are officially invited to my house! Or maybe you're full for the arancini that you have not eaten ? - After these words , there was a spontaneous laughter from both of them - I agree, and I still have some free space in the stomach, and it is! we go to the grocery store , and your eyes open! we are always in the middle of a war between religious and scientists ! - New laughter were added to the old , and still others they took place .

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[1] Rice dumpling, stuffed with minced meat or cheese