Snowfall in Venice

Farewell Venice

ARRIVEDERCHI VENICE

The Don hosted a wonderful, but sad, farewell dinner for us. Angelina and her friend Pietro were there, along with Carlos, his sister, and nephew Gino, who all joined us at the long table. The animated conversation easily switched back and forth from English to Italian. Finally, after multiple courses of delicious pasta, seafood, and roast boar, The Don clinked his glass and got up to make a speech.

"I would like to make a champagne toast to our honored guests. First, I salute signora Gunderson for her wisdom, her beauty, and her wonderful mentorship of my daughter Angelina. Next, I salute Doctor Gunderson for his patience, his integrity, and the exceptional medical skills he has shown during his stay at the villa."

The Don stopped for a sip of his champagne. "Because of your presence here, Mark and Gayle, we have avoided a blood feud with the Esposito family. Now, young Pietro is here at our table as a friend, not an enemy. While you were here as our guests, you saved Carlos's nephew from death by performing an emergency operation. You also repaired Carlos's head after his attack from the bastard, Cavallo. I could go on and thank you for teaching us the English, for looking after the medical needs of the village and many other things. But most of all, I want to express my sincere and lasting thanks for bringing my Angelina out of the darkness and into the light."

Tears were welling up in Gayle's eyes. I sniffled a little, as well.

"One last thing, my daughter says I must apologize again for the joke I played by substituting our maid Alba, under the black cloak in the town square, when everyone thought it was Angelina. It is a bad habit of mine to play the jokes. I will try hard to stop."

Everyone laughed and raised their champagne glasses in a return toast to The Don.

Then I rose from my seat. "Don Benedetti, our time here at the Villa has been most interesting. We recognize that we do come from different cultures and may not see eye to eye on every issue. But both Gayle and I want to thank you for treating us with respect and making us feel like part of your family. Lastly, on behalf of the many injured children in the world, we thank you in advance for your contribution to the new children's medical charity."

The Don nodded. "Tomorrow morning, we will meet in my office and finalize the donation you mentioned. Then Carlos and Angelina will accompany you to Marco Polo airport for your flight home."

Everyone hugged, shook hands, and departed for the night.

In the morning, we had just finished breakfast when we saw Roberto Farina, the evaluator, leaving The Don's office. Carlos indicated that The Don was ready to see us. We entered the office and saw The Don sitting behind his desk with a formal look on his face. He motioned for us to take a seat.

"Signore Farina has finished his work. He has prepared a separate valuation for box #100, which contained the valuables originally stolen by Antonia Fontana from the villa on the night Angelina was born. These valuables are the property value I have pledged to you as a donation to your charity."

"Again, we thank you for the donation, Lorenzo."

"Farina has also given me a valuation for boxes #200 and #300, which contained the loot stolen by Angelo Cavallo from others over a long period. This amount will come in handy as we have had many unexpected expenses this past year."

The Don was interrupted by Alba, delivering a tray of steaming hot coffee and morning rolls. He stopped to taste the coffee then continued. "I will now make out a check for the donation. Do you have a name for the charity yet?"

I looked at Gayle, and she nodded her assent. "Yes, Don Benedetti. The name for the new charity is The Angelina Children's Medical Foundation.

The Don wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "I wish to avoid any big show of emotion over this donation, so I am sealing the envelope. I want you to promise me that, halfway across the Atlantic Ocean, you will have a glass of champagne and open the envelope at that time. Not a minute before."

We agreed to The Don's request immediately.

The Don stood up, shook hands with me, and kissed Gayle on both cheeks. "I will go now to my room as I do not wish to see you leave. But as you go, remember you are now under the protection of the Benedetti family, anywhere in the world, forever."

Gayle started crying now and rushed to hug The Don as he left the room.

The ride to the airport was somber. We were both anxious to go home to see our friends and family, but we realized the people at the Benedetti Villa were now an integral part of our lives. Carlos drove carefully, intentionally keeping his focus on the road. Angelina, sitting in the backseat with Gayle, occasionally sobbed and lay her head on Gayle's shoulder.

I decided it would be a mistake to prolong our departure and the depths of sadness that both Carlos and Angelina were feeling.

"Gayle, say goodbye to Angelina and Carlos now. We're going to fast track our way to the departure lounge and let them get on their way home."

Angelina was trying to be brave. "Signora Gayle, I will never forget you and Doctor Mark. You gave me my life back. I will be eternally grateful."

Carlos was unable to speak and simply shook hands with me, kissed Gayle on both cheeks, turned, and left. Angelina waved and followed him out of the terminal.