act38side

She doesn't dare to look back on what just happened, what she experienced, or the struggles she went through.

A taxi stops right in front of her. She does not remember whether she hailed it or not.

Where you headed?

The Trucker Camp.

Uh... never heard of it.

500 Viale Alito, Torino.

It's very far from here, on the farthest plate. It's not surprising that you've never been there.

Tough day, huh?

Uhuh...

You're the gloomiest customer I've picked up since arriving in Nuova Volsinii.

Why are you so sad? The Carnevale parade is just a few days away. Everyone is happy about their new lives in this new city, no?

Speaking of which, I love this new city.

Look at these festively decorated streets, the wonderful parties, and the carefully prepared food. There are no famiglia around, and it hardly ever rains. The air, and our tails, are always dry.

Signorina, could we cut the chatter? I don't really feel like talking right now.

What is it that's got you so upset? Let's chat about it. Maybe I can help you?

I made some mistakes. No, I should say, I failed to do some things. Or rather, I trusted the wrong people... In any case, I let people down.

Whatever. There's no way to solve my problems anyway.

No no no, in Siracusa, no problems are unsolvable.

If you can't untangle the rope, you can just cut it. If you can't unlock the chest, you can smash the lock with a hammer. There is a solution for every problem.

Many times, all you need to do is change your perspective and screw up your courage. Then you'll find that all the problems will resolve themselves.

Are you speaking from experience?

More than you can imagine.

After all, before becoming a taxi driver, my main job was helping my best friend solve problems.

Now that was someone who knew how to get into trouble, tsk.

Claiming to be able to 'solve' problems—it sounds just like something the famiglie would do.

Then you've got me all wrong.

This is a new place; the old ways do not apply. Believe me.

Look, everyone's full of energy, everyone's full of love, and also, everyone's wearing a festive mask. How fun.

Sometimes I really wonder, what are hiding behind these masks?

I don't understand what you're saying.

It's simple—wearing a mask 'imposed' on you can make it hard to breathe.

Many times, you actually know what to do; the answer is right there, crystal clear. It's just that for various reasons, we refuse to face it.

But if it could make things easier for yourself... then why not?

....Sorry, but could you stop for a second?

The driver steps on the brake.

She doesn't know why, but Eirene has the feeling that, from the moment she got in the car, the driver has been waiting for this exact instruction. She even catches a glimpse of the driver's bright smile in the rearview mirror.

I'm not going to the Trucker Camp. I want to go somewhere else.

Your wish is my command.