Chapter 51

(Renata Pellegrini)

Filippo takes the papers from my hands and walks to the counter; I stand behind him watching him pay my friend's expenses.

“Thank you, please take it out of my next paycheck.” I speak after we walk away from the counter, feeling happy to stay in my job.

The month is already over, in two weeks I will receive my third salary and I will use it to pay this debt and also the part that I agreed with Filippo to pay for the furniture in our new house.

“No need, ragazza.”

“I insist, please.” I insist.

Filippo goes to a drinking fountain and fills a glass with water, he holds my hand and guides me to the outside of the hospital.

“Why don't you want to let me pay for things for you?” He inquires when we stop at the side of the hospital, where apparently there is no one.

“I am not your wife.” I speak. “You have no duty to provide for me.” I make my point, my mother always told me never to treat a boyfriend like a husband, otherwise he will never want to marry me, I know that