‘Tranquilli.’ Margherita placed a reassuring hand on both Matthew and Sarah’s arms. ‘Let me help. I have an inflatable mattress at home. You can use that until you are properly settled. I’ll leave it with you after dinner tonight. It will be big enough for both of you.’
‘Thank you so much,’ Sarah smiled.
‘I should also mention that my father, Angelo, is to be your caretaker. He wanted me to pass on the message that he will be visiting you sometime tomorrow morning.’
Sarah beamed. ‘A real family affair.’
Matthew’s phone began to ring and he excused himself, leaving the ladies alone in the courtyard.
‘Ordinarily, this is when I’d welcome you in and offer you a cuppa. But – and trust me when I say this – neither option is possible right now. I think you’re much safer out here.’ She gestured for Margherita to join her on the ledge.
‘We will have plenty of time forcaffé. And food. And lots of both.’ Margherita withdrew a notebook and pen from her shoulder bag and passed them to Sarah. ‘For you. To get you started.’ Inside, Sarah found all of Margherita’s contact details and some information on where to find language resources online. ‘We will be together for twelve months, three times a week. Mostly in the afternoons, if that suits? I teach at the school in the neighbouring town Monday to Saturday mornings. I used to do administrative work for themunicipio, but . . .’ Her eyes momentarily hit the pavers.
Sensing a shift in Margherita’s tone, Sarah diverted, ‘So, I’m sorry to say that you will certainly have your work cut out for you. My Italian doesn’t extend beyond ordering a coffee. And badly, I should add.’
‘It will be fine. We will divide our time into conversation, grammar and vocabulary, some culture anddolce vitatime.’
Sarah cocked her head. ‘What doesdolce vitatime involve, exactly?’
‘Teaching you to lead a sweet life. An Italian life. As it is meant to be lived.’
‘All I’m picturing is a clichéd montage of hand gestures, red wine and clouds of cigarette smoke.’
Margherita laughed. ‘Assolutamente no! More traditional. More genuine. Don’t worry, Sarah. You’re safe with me.’ She gently placed her hands over Sarah’s, which were balled into a fist in her lap. ‘Think of me as your Italian Fairy Godmother.’
‘I hope you’ve got enough fairy dust!’
The two giggled. As Margherita’s cheeks flushed a subtle shade of pink, Sarah decided that she very much liked Margherita.My first Italian friend.
‘Are they going to watch us all night?’ Matthew stared at the angelic scene painted overhead.
Sarah readjusted herself so as not to slip off the side of the narrower- than-predicted inflatable mattress. ‘I’m going to go with “yes”.’
‘I’m actually more concerned abouther.’ He gestured to the depiction of the Virgin Mary, located inconveniently over Matthew’s side of the mattress. He allowed a long shallow breath to escape and Sarah felt him finally relax next to her. ‘What a day.’
‘I literally have no words.’
‘Who would have ever predicted this? I need to call my parents tomorrow to fill them in.’ He scowled. ‘What a nightmare.’
‘It’s not all bad.’ Sarah carefully rolled onto her side to face him. ‘Well, major renovation and manual labour aside, just remember the new clause. Even if we lose this . . . this . . . contest thing . . . you still get to keep this property if you want it. It could be yours irrespective of the outcome. This could be your new forever home.’
Matthew didn’t reply, mulling over Sarah’s words.Forever home. After a few minutes of quiet, he heard the depth of Sarah’s breathing grow shallower. Turning to face her on the pillow, he watched her eyelids gently flicker as she descended into sleep. Feeling the warmth radiate from her body under the loose and inadequate covers, he was glad she was there.
Careful not to disturb Sarah, he gently manoeuvred himself to sitting then collected his journal and pen from the floor beside him.
He opened to a new page and sighed.
La comunicazione
Any belief that communication is merely the act of speaking with one’s partner is fundamentally inadequate. It is much more, and means many things to different people.
Communication is both verbal and non-verbal. We use our words and our bodies in various ways to share, explain and give reason to our needs, concerns and beliefs. This framing, though now a little richer, still excludes the most important aspect of communication: reciprocal sharing.
It is through this exchange of experiences that we can truly begin to understand the perspectives and viewpoints held by our significant other. As you begin to engage in reciprocal sharing, be sure to listen actively, withhold judgement and lead with an empathetic frame of mind.
If your partner communicates particular needs, listen.
If your partner communicates concerns or worries, listen.
