The boat docks and off steps the newest group of Sicilians. Well not so much steps as simply floods, all of these men, women and children eager to escape, eager to forget their past and their home, the horrors they have seen. Vendettas that have left entire families laying cold and bloody, waiting to be lowered into the ground. And all the while they are looking for a new life here in the land of America, the land of endless opportunity. But there is always the one, the chink in the chain or the sore thumb, the one who doesn't come to escape his past, but the one who comes to embrace it.

And off he comes, separate from the flood, calmly and collected, black hair glinting in the sun, white teeth with their dazzling white sheen and the olive oil tan. A scar on his right cheek, looking almost ornamental and the dark brown eyes nearing on black. This man is Mafioso, born and bred, you can see it from his appearance. He has seen the horrors of the world, he has taken part in them and narrowly escaped when his own day of reckoning came to head. The man knows the inner workings of this thing of ours and looks towards the future, with hopes to reach the upper structure of La Cosa Nostra. But then, doesn't everyone?

He steps into the registry office where he gives them the name John Domenica. Upon clearance to leave he walks across to the nearest diner, stopping on the way to admire a Mercedes-Benz 500K and deciding that is the car he would buy when he had the money. This one has rich tastes for someone who barely has the money to eat.

At the diner he orders a coffee and a cheese and onion sandwich, then takes a seat in a booth and begins to wonder what he should do next.

I remember, John, when I was just like you.  Not long ago, actually. 

It's a big country.  And full of opportunity.  Make the most of it.  Combined with the knowledge that you seem to come with, hard work and committment will take you far.

I remember my mother telling me about the time when she first came over to America and entered this thing of ours.

I agree with Sly about this country being full of opportunities. Opportunities that I still have yet to explore even though I was born and raised in America. Find a good family to work for, work hard, earn money and I am sure you will find doors opening up for you. :)

-Anna