I'd like to share a little story with you. Please excuse me if you didn't enjoy it. Here it is....
There lived in Toscana a young man with a love of reading. His name was Fred. He had devoured many books, but one remained unread: the 'Don Quixote'. His curiosity was piqued, and he was determined to read it someday in the future.
His prized possession was a first edition of the 'Don Quixote', a treasured family heirloom passed down through generations. Two hundred years had passed since it was first published in AD 1605. Fred's father, Antonio de Mattei, the most recent custodian of the two volumes of 'Don Quixote', had bequeathed them to Fred along with a letter written before his passing. Unfortunately, the letter was partially destroyed in a fire. Apart from mentioning 'Don Quixote', the letter also advised Fred to guard some treasures given to him and to never lose them -- because they would greatly contribute to his happiness, though the subsequent words were lost, leaving Fred unsure of what exactly the letter referred to. Nevertheless, Fred believed his father was referring to the two volumes of 'Don Quixote'.
Apart from teaching Fred reading and writing skills --- rare and valuable gifts in semi-rural areas like their own --- Antonio de Mattei, Fred's late father, also imparted valuable lessons of wisdom to him. Fred lived with his lovely younger sister Ciara and brother Francesco. Also his canine companion, Enzo, who had stood by his side through thick and thin. Additionally, their loyal butler, who had started working for the family while Fred's parents were still alive, continued to faithfully serve the household.
Living in the same town was Ruggero Amalfi, who was a friend of a relative of the de Mattei family. He was a man who boasted himself to be a 'man of culture.' This Ruggero coveted Fred's 'Don Quixote'. While the book itself was a prized possession, it was not the book itself that captivated his attention, what captivated his attention was a hidden map within its pages. The map contained the secrets to a huge legendary treasure, promising a life of luxury without the need for working or learning again. He thought he deserved to have that book more than anyone else and was determined to acquire it, by any means, including violence.
Fred's family used to be well off, enjoying days filled with play, feasting, and leisure. He and his siblings, Ciara and Francesco, reveled in the pleasures of their comfortable life. However, as time passed, their fortunes waned. As the family's financial stability began to decline rapidly, they also faced increasing hardship. Fred decided to alter his lifestyle, focusing more on studies and work and less on play. He believed that through hard work and dedication, he could restore his family's well-being and stability.
Late one night, as the moon cast a silvery glow over the town, Fred sat in the study, engrossed in his studies. Feeling sleepy, he contemplated going to bed, but his determination to restore his family's financial stability got the better of him, and he decided to read on. His faithful dog, Enzo, lay curled up at his feet, the quiet stillness of the house enveloping them. His siblings, Ciara and Francesco, were sound asleep in their bedrooms.
Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by a noise—a faint rustling coming from the window. Fred glanced up just in time to see a shadowy figure slip into the room. Ruggero Amalfi, the self-proclaimed 'man of culture' had entered stealthily, his eyes scanning the room with predatory intent. He moved cautiously, unaware of where the prized 'Don Quixote' volumes might be hidden. Without a moment's hesitation, Enzo sprang to his feet, barking fiercely. Fred followed suit, quickly rising from his chair. "Enzo, get him!" he shouted, and the loyal canine lunged at Ruggero with fierce determination.
Ruggero, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, stumbled backward, his eyes wide with shock. Enzo's growling and barking filled the room, a cacophony of protective fury. Fred advanced, determined to protect his home.
Ruggero desperately tried to fend off the dog, but Enzo's unrelenting attack left him with little choice but to retreat. As Ruggero scrambled to escape, Fred joined in, grabbing Ruggero's arm and attempting to restrain him. The struggle was intense, with furniture and books knocked askew in the chaos. With a final, frantic shove, Ruggero managed to break free from Fred's grasp. He shot a venomous look at Fred and Enzo before fleeing through the window and disappearing into the night.
