Something in the Sky

Mario lives at Pilastro and has a quiet life. Every day the alarm rings at 6.00, a strong and decisive ring, able to erase any memory of what he has dreamt about and drop him right into everyday reality. A kiss to his daughter, who still sleeps serenely in the bunk bed… a smile to his wife, the beloved Giovanna, who prepares the breakfast with care and devotion. Milk, coffee, biscuits or cake, whatever. A caress on the hand, before the shower and the usual “see you in the evening”. He jumps into the car singing softly the song of the day. Mario loves singing as it makes him feel good and allows him to face another work day with the right mood. Each day one song. Sometimes new, sometimes drawn out of his immense repertoire created over the years. Inserts the key and the deafening engine responds at once. A curve to the right, the standard straight way and then the sequence of small bends which as usual give him the opportunity to concentrate just as much as necessary in order to sweep away the last signs of the night sleep. Here he is on his way, running towards a new, and yet umpteenth, day of his life. The cars are already lined up at the petrol station at the entrance to orbital road. The “Hitchhiker's bar” is already full as ever….”what a funny name!” Mario thinks while reading the gaudy sign. Life passes by. Without big claims. Without big surprises. Everything is ok. Suddenly like a flash... Mario gets dazzled and instinctively pushes the brake and slows down. Looks up and stares at something in the sky…