Seeing him, the young Bride narrowed her eyes slightly. Then she got up.
She stared at the man’s face, the lean features, the long hair pulled back, the beard that framed his lips, slightly parted.
You, she said.
The Son took the champagne flute away from her and offered it to the retired minister, without a word. Then he took the young Bride by the hand and led her away with him.
Emerging into the street, they stopped a moment, to breathe the sparkling air of evening. All of life lay ahead.
The Son took off his jacket, which was of a rough wool and an enchanting color, and placed it over the young Bride’s shoulders. Then, without the slightest hint of rebuke, and in an almost childlike tone of curiosity, he asked her a question.
Why in a brothel?
The young Bride knew the answer with absolute precision, but she kept it to herself.
Here I ask the questions, she said.
About the Author
Alessandro Baricco is beloved by readers worldwide for his innovative tales of guile and charm, his atmospheric novels and their memorable characters. He is one of Italy’s bestselling and most critically acclaimed authors. His novels include Silk (Vintage, 1996), An Iliad (2006), and Mr Gwyn (2011).