Many say life is not fun without challenges. They keep explaining how obstacles push us to do our best. Well, I beg to differ. Who would enjoy problems? The answer is simple: people who hate themselves. Learning is good, but not in a way that makes you miserable. If I could, I'd change my reality. Although happy moments weren't absent, some improvement wouldn't hurt. Being a good-looking twenty-six-year-old Venetian wasn't so bad. Living in the year 1405 didn't bother me much either. However, belonging to a group everyone despised was the opposite of easy.

On that evening, I couldn't complain. I wore my favorite outfit, which was a dark-grey tunic, black pants, and brown boots. A beautiful woman walked with me while gazing at the sky. I felt slightly ignored, but I couldn't compete with the sunset. The lady only talked about how she loved how Venice was a city above water, so I yawned. Women deserve praise for putting up with our subjects because my patience wasn't great. Even though we held hands, I felt empty.

"You're the most charming man I've ever met," she put both hands around my neck. "I never want this evening to end."

"Perfect," I smiled and pulled her closer by the waist. "Would you like to have some fun?"

The woman sighed. "I could never say no to you."

I chuckled softly. "So, what are we waiting for?"

We laughed and started kissing fervently. I felt that woman's sweet taste while running my hands through her hair. Luckily, the emptiness didn't go away. I was determined to make that lack of attachment a part of me. The last thing I needed was to fall for someone.

She subtly licked her lips. "When are we seeing each other again?"

Here we go...

Gulping, I thought of a way to let her down gently. I had done it before since my relationships never lasted, but it hurt me every time. I promised myself I'd never truly like somebody despite wanting some romance. It'd be impossible for me to succeed in a long-term commitment. Honestly, I'd feel bad for the girl if she thought I could be a good partner. The disappointment was guaranteed.

"You're great, but it's better if we go our separate ways," I slowly let go of her hands. "I'm really sorry."

"Don't worry," she winked. "If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

I shot her a flirtatious glance. "I most definitely do."

Once she left, I walked to my dad's store. On the way, three women smiled at me. I returned the gesture, of course. Two others waved while giggling... Yes, things were too good to be true. The joy ended as three men passed by while whispering. They pointed at the yellow circle on my tunic. That stupid badge defined who I was. Everyone from my community was required to wear that ugly thing. The Catholic Church made us pay a fine or something worse if we didn't.

People should find better things to do than look down on others.

I huffed once I arrived at the rag shop. My people only had two job options: moneylending or selling rags. Dad put new products on a wooden table while ignoring my mother. I admired her strength because my father wasn't worth the effort. We both had dark-brown eyes, medium straight hair of the same color, and light skin. Other than appearance, my dad and I had nothing in common. My mom had the same skin tone, but her eyes were blue, and she had long straight light-brown hair. She was forty-five, like my dad.

Mom knitted her brows. "Giosuè, listen to me. If you keep making customers pay so much for rags, they'll stop coming."

"Shut your mouth!" my dad pursed his lips. "I don't need a silly woman telling me what to do."

"Many people mistreat us because we're Jewish," my mother's eyes bulged. "This will get worse if you give us a bad reputation!"

"Don't waste your breath," I glared at my father. "He already did."

Dad panted and scowled as he walked closer. Swallowing hard, I hoped he wouldn't do something horrible. Mom wiped away a tear while observing me. It was as if I could feel the pain in her heart. I'd do anything to free her from that rude man because she needed happiness, not mistreatment.

He narrowed his eyes intensively. "I'll give you one chance, Sandro. Apologize now!"

"For what? Telling the truth?" I raised a brow. "Besides being unfair to customers, you treat my mom like trash."

"Insolent boy!" my dad stared me down. "Stop interfering on matters that don't concern you!"

My lips curled into a defiant smile. "This will never happen."

Dad slapped me on the cheek. I couldn't help but grimace. At least his nails did not scratch my skin. He glared at me, so I did the same to him. My father didn't deserve my fear. Mom approached me, seemingly concerned.

"You're a horrible person!" my mother scowled. "After I lost four babies and a two-year-old, this is how you treat our only son?"

"This wouldn't have happened if you behaved, Anna!" he took a step back. "I expect you gone when I come back."

My mom took a deep breath and went upstairs as he left, making me sigh in relief. The disrespect my dad had for her was absurd. At least he taught me something, which was how not to treat a woman. Even ignorant fathers can be teachers sometimes.

Why won't he get out of my life?

Despite that argument, my day became slightly better. My best friend Roberto Boralevi waved as he returned to work. He'd been helping my family with the store for years and we had the same age. Roberto had blue eyes, medium dark-brown hair, and light skin. I gave him a pat on the back.

He chuckled softly. "The great Sandro Montefiore has arrived!"

"Your compliments are much appreciated," my lips curled into a face-wide smile. "I never complain about praise."

"I'm serious," Roberto raised his brows. "There's no Jewish woman who hasn't heard of you or kissed you."

I laughed loudly. "What can I do? Ladies appreciate me, and the feeling is mutual."

"Except that this won't end well," he crossed his arms. "We both know why you won't stay with one woman."

A terrible headache tortured my skull when I remembered what had happened to my family. My neck was surrounded by sweat while a terrifying memory came back to my mind. Roberto knew, but I wouldn't let him find out it affected me. He couldn't understand.

I gulped. "Because I dread marriage. Isn't it obvious?"

"That's not the whole truth," Roberto took the dust off a rag. "You should stop having meaningless love affairs."

I bit my lower lip. "It's better this way."

My best friend sighed. "If you want to stay single, be careful. Your heart might not be as impenetrable as you think."

"God, I can't stand this nonsense!" I rolled my eyes. "I never fell in love because I taught myself not to. Nothing will change."

Roberto was about to answer when the same men who whispered came back. They glared at me, then at the rags. Luckily, the strangers were outside. My hands trembled as they glanced at the badge on my tunic and the one on Roberto's. As I said, my life wasn't easy and it probably wouldn't get any better.

"Wait here," I finished folding a rag. "I'll be right back."

He huffed. "Please, don't tell me you're facing the idiots alone!"

I pretended not to listen. There was no way I'd put my best friend or anyone else in danger. If God were on my side that day, I'd convince the strangers to leave. Perhaps I was pessimistic, and they were just customers. Not every person disliked people like me.

I pressed my lips together. "Is there something I can help you with, gentlemen?"

"You'll come with us to that alley," one man pointed to the left while grinding his teeth. "Alone."

"Unbelievable! Do you think I'm dumb?" I laughed nervously while shaking my head in denial. "I won't do a thing you ask me!"

The second guy threatened to grab his knife. "You better do as he says, Jew."

I won't put up with aggressors. Not today.

Discreetly, I looked around. The men walked closer, making me breathe quickly. Unfortunately, my heart wasn't beating fast because of a beautiful woman... How I wish that were the cause! I could try to reason with them, but it wouldn't do anything. When those guys locked eyes with me, they didn't see a person. I was only a yellow circle to them.

I smiled defiantly. "Come and get me, idiots!"

Without hesitation, I ran. The aggressors followed me while screaming offensive things that I prefer not to mention. My eyes bulged as they kept getting closer. I tripped twice, hoping the men wouldn't take the opportunity to drag me to an alley. Although I felt tempted to jump into the water, I couldn't swim well. Like hungry predators, the men kept chasing me. It didn't seem they wanted to give up. Almost out of breath, I prayed those maniacs would stop.

****

Author's note: Now you've met our second narrator! Will Sandro escape the aggressors? What does life have in store for him? Keep reading and you'll find out... ;-)

I dedicate this chapter to my dear friend NatashaIli