Sunday morning, 10 o'clock. This week it's our turn to visit the Little House.
We stop first to pick up Giorgio. Giorgio lives on a small street crowded with kids, where everyone knows us.
At first they watched us with curiosity. Not anymore. They all know we're coming to get Giorgio and take him to the Little House. The car pulls up. I stay inside with Sabina while Francesco goes through the gate to call Giorgio. There's no need.
The moment Francesco enters the courtyard, a tremendous shout erupts from the second floor—so loud that everyone on the street can't help but hear it. It's Giorgio. He's recognized our car by the sound of the engine and rushed to the window. For just an instant we see his head, a tangle of black curls.
"They're here!" Giorgio shouts, then: "Boom! Boom! Boom!" He tears down the stairs two at a time. The whole building seems to shake. Giorgio reaches the car when we hear a second shout from upstairs. This time it's Giorgio's mother. Giorgio forgot to say goodbye. He has to run back up again.
Finally we're off, Giorgio in the front seat. I'd gotten out to greet him, and without hesitation he jumps into my place. He likes to see where we're going.
We pull slowly out of the street—there are always kids playing in the middle of it.
Giorgio waves at everyone like a king.
We're headed to the Little House.
Olga Gammarelli, 1980