Massimo met Lilliana by accident at a cafe. They chatted happily over mochas. Lilliana’s eyes were like the sky in spring, her laughter like the song of birds. Massimo fell madly in love with her.
Soon she had to leave. Massimo begged her, “Where do you live? I must see you again!” With a smile that could make flowers bloom, she wrote it down on his hand.
Later, Massimo forgetfully washed his hands, wiping away the address.
Not to worry! The address was surely 161 Via Peccini.
With his life savings Massimo bought a magical guitar that played love songs, but only once. That afternoon he played the guitar before the door at 161 Via Peccini. Soon the upper window opened and a wrinkled old crone looked out. “Darling!” she croaked.
“You are not Lilliana,” shuddered Massimo.
“No. She lives at 191 Via Peccini. But not to worry, my love. I am yours!”
______________________________________
Written for What Pegman Saw: https://whatpegmansaw.com/2018/02/10/terni-italy/
Author’s Notes:
Before anyone asks, Massimo eventually found Lilliana. Turns out he didn’t need a magical guitar. She was already in love with him. They started out their lives quite poor since Massimo spent all his money on the guitar. They’re very happy with their four kids and an Irish Setter. Unfortunately, they move a lot. Mrs. Gambini is constantly looking for Massimo.
Two for the price of one.
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Hehe. Maybe one and a half. 😉
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Hehehe, thoroughly enjoyed the tale and the epilogue!
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Thank you most kindly! 🙂
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Another well done tale. He could have taken a lesson from King Midas, though. Magic has a funny way of backfiring.
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You are so right. He should’ve done things the old fashioned way with a regular guitar. Turns out it would’ve worked. Thanks so much, Christine!
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Hee hee hee! Glad the story had a happy ending (in the end). Lucky that Massimo was able to get a magical guitar – imagine the trouble he’d have had if that magic was only possible in a Steinway 9-foot grand or something.
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Haha! He would’ve needed to spend even more on a lorry to get it there. As it is he’s been looking looking for another magical guitar to play for Mrs. Gambini. Apparently if you play it while out of tune, it has the opposite effect. 😉
Thanks Matthew!
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A happy accident!
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Hehe. At least he still got the girl of his dreams. 🙂
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Well, at least she’s a homeowner. A struggling artist could do worse. 😀
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Haha! I get the feeling Massimo isn’t quite that practical minded. He’s an idealist. 😉
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I do so love a happy ending 🙂 Maybe they need to change their name. Still, if they keep on the move, eventually the old crone will depart this mortal coil.
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Haha! “Mortal coil.” Love it. Now that’s not a term you hear every day. Yeah, if she tries to follow them on that week long hike into the mountains of Switzerland, she might breathe her last. 😉
Thanks Lyn!
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Nice one. LOL. Thanks, you explained in the footnote.
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Hehe. I figured folks would ask anyway. Thanks Indira!
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What fun! I knew immediately when you mentioned the magic guitar that had magic only once, something would go awry. Thanks for making me smile. And the footnote is a hoot.
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Hehe. I figured folks would catch that. Something always goes wrong is such circumstances. Glad you enjoyed the footnote. Thanks so much!
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A gentle humorous tale, well told. Five smiles out of five. And thank you for the epilogue; I’m glad Massimo wooed and won Lilliana!
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Thank you! Can I post your review on my blog? 😉 Glad you enjoyed the epilogue. Much appreciated Penny!
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Oops 🙂 Still, a happy ending, apart from poor Mrs Gambini and her endless search!
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Hehe. They’re happy at least. Lots of people never get that.
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