Kudos of Mafia

'XVIII'

The day finally came, where the verdict of different fates would air. Senor slept drunk the earlier night, drowned in agony and the charred past. Senor experienced heavy head and urge of vomiting. He blacked out because of vodka. The blurred incident of yesterday's night shaded his head but with no rigid conclusions on happening of any events.

Senor woke up from his bed with a dizzy head but a relieved heart. The revelations on the earlier night guided him to a positive aspect of life. The liquor also did some part in it, after all it was vodka. Piled up burdens that rested over someone else shoulder gave him an energetic expression. Despite all the uncertainty rumbling in life, Senor had the responsibility, responsibility to serve his customers.

The path to the grocery always entertained Senor's childish mind and heart. He loved to embrace the potency of the streets he was used to. The busy markets with small vendors bargaining with customers, kids sprinting after one another to outrun the fastest, teenagers arguing with each other's common sense which never made sense and the ladies gossiping about their wicked mother in law. All in all, Senor used to encircle himself with the liveliness of the town cherishing his day.

Senor couldn't avoid his thoughts for long. Agatha and the mafia struck Senor time and again. He worried about the possible outcomes from the probable chaos. He got the visuals about the future, he had forgotten about. Just in general, he perceived the silence before the thunder.

"Good morning, Sir.", one of the employees greeted bowing their head in swift manners.

"Morning, Vicenzo.", Senor replied with a genuine smile."How are you doing today?"

"Me? I am doing like the guy in twenties desires to." Vicenzo blinked his eyes."Flirting with the girls of whole Palermo."

"Oh, Vicenzo. I won't regret to say but you are my reflection. God bless you.". Senor tapped the shoulder of Vicenzo.

"Really? Were you too a playboy?", smiled Vicenzo with dimples cutting deep into his cheeks. After all he had inherited the look very few had.

"Come on boy, focus at your work.", Senor left Vicenzo with a crooked smile.

The rest of the time in grocery, Senor felt conflicted trying to figure out the next move. And the idea of Olivio too frightened him. He sensed the responsibility he failed with. The sentiments moved him. Senor had promised to visit Agatha. Due to this very reason, Senor compromised with his daily schedule. This time Senor walked back home before the sun dived into the horizon.

A bold knock was heard. Bruno moved to unlock the door.

"Sir?", the eyes of Bruno sparkled in confusion." Isn't it early? Everything fine?"

"Oh, my dear pessimistic lad.". Senor giggled raising his eyebrows." I have to visit my friend's house. But I guess you are right. It's a little early than I anticipated."

"You can take some rest.", said Bruno, skipping any other queries.

"I shall admit I felt a lot better now.", Senor sat on the couch. "May I ask something, Bruno?"

"Yes sir!", replied Bruno.

"Don't you feel lonely?"

"I don't know. Maybe I do at times but then I realize I am blessed by the man like you and have got some friends to dig my time.", continued Bruno with a thoughtful look, residing beside Senor in the next couch."You know sir, I lost my father before I was born. My mother left me at an orphanage. I still think it would be a lot better if I had known their names. At least, name would compensate their unknown face. But God has a different plan for me and you are that very plan."

"You are here with me not less than my son. I will make sure you have a bright future ahead.", consoled Senor. "Apart from it, I wonder now and then how a guy in his twenties has no girl around him?"

"Sir....", Bruno blushed. "I mean there is one but she doesn't know it yet."

"Ohh..poor fate of a rich hearted guy.", Senor grabbed the shoulder of Bruno."Be confident my boy. It's now or never. Face it."

Bruno hid his look. Though Bruno had grown up into an adult but Senor always saw him as a kid.

"Sir, what about your wife?", Bruno strangled Senor with the very question.

A moment of silence ensued in the hall.