Domencio sat at his desk in a one bedroom appartment.  The late train passed as he began to right down his thoughts. Music played lightly from across the hall.  He could not sleep with the thought of an article left by the Editor which shared that he was interested in getting the public opinion on wheather a "Made Man" had true feelings and if it was even proper for one to marry.

I have yet to be married, but after this evening it is clear that some men would be better off attending to the affairs of a life made rough on the streets of Chicago.  After the stories of those unfortunate few I spoke with that couldn't make things work, my motive to marry young will be reconsidered.  It wasn't made crystal clear that any of these men put anyone in a Chicago overcoat, but the way they spoke and how they told their stories was enough for me to recognize they are or were once brunos.

I am sure the booze led some to their tall tales, but you couldn't erase the hidden emotions that was like a window they kept open just a crack.  Just enough to remind them of a mistake or the memory of who they once loved.  It is funny how a simple newspaper triggers the man in the corner to give you his experience...it will never stop amazing me how reading an article will draw in the most unlikely to share.

As I told the older gentlemen who asked my ambitions of the ladies...a simple moll is enough for me.  I don't want the neighborhood to chase me; nor do I need to feel as if I have something to hide in my line of business in my own home.  On top of all that, no respectable lady, who hasn't all ready been brought in to a family, would want a life of dodging her husbands bullets.

My career choice, like others, has sacrifices.  I wouldn't want to drag in the unexpecting in to the choices good or bad I have made with what I have done, but nor can men like myself go around bragging of the journey and the illegal trade we find ourselves wet in...So that is life...and another day lost to the stars...

Though in closing, I will say that those who choose a life with family and the rough streets of Chicago...and succeed a lifelong happiness deserve admiration for taking care and balancing a fulfilling life.  And might I add Mr. Editor it is not anybodies business to judge what is proper...you work in mass media...you guys deserve a payroll in some of these families; from what I hear, some of you do!  I ask you, what makes you any different?

//signed//

The Sage of Messina

Domencio awoke the next morning and slid this letter into a maildrop at the local paper.  

Grape stares at the man who seems to be reading something while not walking where he is going. Grape jumps in front of the man and continues to walk at the same pace. Making sure the man doesn't run into anything while he walks.

Whatever that is I'm sure it is important. Don't you think you might want to stop and read it?

The man continues on reading and walking. Nothing suggesting that he even noticed Grape.

Okay then, Good luck doing whatever it is you are doing. I hope you get there safely.

Grape stops walking and steps out of the way. He giggles as he turns away. Strange man he thinks to himself.