Vico nods, bringing my hand to his lips, kissing each of my fingertips. I am so lost in this vision that I tune out the last remaining bits of reality around me.
"If we forget to enjoy life, we forget ourselves," my heart weighs heavily. "And so it happened to the Olivettas," I say with a choked voice. "Death took Signor Olivetta's love of his life. Four unique children lost their mother. And from this once-strong family that produced the best olive oil in the region for centuries, they became uprooted souls, desperately searching for stability."
I see them before me. Signor Olivetta and his four children. They have all forgotten how to be happy, each in their own way.
"Today, the estate has fallen into disrepair. The olive press stands idle, and the olive trees are overgrown with weeds." I clench my fists. "But it doesn't have to stay that way. We can't bring back the old times, but we can create something worthwhile from what we have. A home for a remarkable family. A tradition that must not be lost. A business whose product enriches people's lives."
My heart warms at the beautiful vision I paint.
"Life is meant to be enjoyed, just like the olive oil of the Olivetta family," I continue passionately.
By now, I've lost track of who I'm saying all this for. Of course, it's for the jury, the audience, Vico's sisters, or even his absent father. But even more so, it's for Vico, whose face is constantly before my mind's eye. In my imagination, he nods with emotion at my words.
In my thoughts, I gaze deep into his eyes.
"No matter where we are, and no matter what we do, as long as we are with those we love with all our hearts and savor the beautiful moments to the fullest, we will be happy," I say.
A sense of tranquility spreads within me. I listen inward, but no more words come to me. I stay with myself and my daydream for a few more seconds before slowly raising my eyelids.
The people in the front rows of the audience still have their eyes closed, as do the members of the jury. A gentle smile graces their faces, as warm as the colors of the setting sun. I let my gaze wander farther back, to where Alessia, Camilla, and now Elina stand.
They are completely lost in my words, still daydreaming.
No one in this room has their eyes open.
Except for me.
And Vico, who suddenly steps out from behind his sisters and looks at me with longing.
