I regret my words the moment I say them, my anger and ego getting the better of my reason. I disappear into the elevator with my hurtful words, which seem to have no impact on him.

I decide to walk to Andy's place, needing to clear my head. The memory of my encounter with Gioele lingers, making me look around more than once. It is with deep relief that I push open the door to Andy's apartment.

The day revolves around my relaxation. TV, bath, reading, anything to help me escape a bit and not think too much.

Andy and Salvatore finally come in.

"We'll just get ready and head out, we're already running late." she shouts to Salva as she climbs the stairs.

Once on the landing, she raises her eyebrows at me.

"I thought the whole sloth act was just for tonight ? Weren't you supposed to be with Ezio today ?"

"That was the plan, but when I went to see him, all I found was a grumpy bear with alcoholic and angry tendencies. He wanted to be alone, so here I am."

"Damn, sorry to hear that. Didn't he tell you why he was like that ?"

"No, it wasn't for lack of trying to dig, but he's worse than a tombstone."

"He must have a reason."

"He always has excuses, if you listen to him. Just because you're having a bad time doesn't mean you should push everyone away and be unpleasant."  I exclaim.

"May, you're the first one to push everyone away and sulk when things aren't going well, why shouldn't it be the same for others ?"

"Are you my best friend or his ?"

Andy bursts into laughter.

"Being your best friend doesn't stop me from saying what I think, quite the opposite. It's my job to tell you the truth, not what you want to hear. Ezio seems to be a very mysterious and solitary person. He must have faced a lot of drama, more than we could experience in a lifetime. He probably had to face them alone, with no one to listen, support, or comfort him. You can't ask him to be a different man with the snap of your fingers. If you love him, and I have no doubt you do, you have to accept him as he is and give him time to improve. The same goes for him; you both need to adapt to each other while accepting one another. I know it can be hard sometimes to love someone, especially their flaws, but we all have them, and asking someone to change isn't the solution because no one really changes. We can improve, but loving someone thinking they will change is a direct path to disaster. The question is, are you ready to commit to a man with a dark past, a mysterious present, and a dubious future ? Who will take a lot of time to change his ways and improve thanks to you, because I am convinced that you two make a great team, and given how deeply Ezio loves you, he will find the way to become the better man you expect him to be. So, will you have the patience or do you lack the courage ?"

Her words leave me speechless and thoughtful.

"So, since when are you a philosopher ?" I laugh.

"At times, it happens that I make sense. But I quickly compensate with debauchery, or else the balance is completely ruined." she laughs back.

"I'll think about what you said, but Ezio is someone special with whom I feel good and whom I love despite his flaws. So he deserves to be given the time to evolve, just as I still have room to grow too."  I admit, smiling.

"It's good to question yourself; the other person isn't always the only one at fault. I know it's not easy, but sometimes taking a step back does more good than you might think. Especially when you think you've found the love of your life. So please, May, don't question everything at every argument or obstacle. By becoming Ezio's partner, you're committing to a tumultuous daily life, worthy of a roller coaster ride, and you'll need to hold on tight. For Ezio, seeing his partner remain faithful, trustworthy, and confident in her love for him can only help him improve and prove to you that you made the right choice by being with him. Of course, there are nuances to all this; you need to keep your character and assert yourself too, knowing what you want. You mustn't become a doormat and say yes to everything and all his excesses without showing your claws. Even if you tried, I know you'd be incapable with your hot blood that could put Etna to shame. Just find the right balance so that your equilibrium comes naturally. All I want, May, is your happiness, and you know that. I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear; what would our friendship be if I did ? I just want to advise you in the best way so that you find what you want and what suits you best."

I almost don't let her finish before hugging her tightly to show how grateful I am to have her in my life.

"Thank you, Andy, for all these words. I needed them, and you managed to set me straight. I don't know what I would do without you."

"You'd probably be a lost soul wandering the streets, always searching for happiness." she teases.

"Go get dressed, or you'll miss your table."

After they leave, I resume my couch potato status, sinking back into the TV with my mind full of what Andy had said earlier.

A few hours later, as I'm half-asleep on the couch, I hear a noise at the apartment entrance. I'm not worried, thinking it's just Andy and Salva returning. It's only when I see a tall male figure approaching that I start to panic, realizing it's neither Andy nor Salvatore.