The Good American in Italy
In a small town in Mississippi, USA, a baby boy named Ethan was born. Even his name seemed to suggest that he was destined to become someone special.
Ethan was a calm and cheerful child who never caused his parents any trouble. He slept peacefully, enjoyed his meals, let out a happy little burp, and drifted back into his sweet dreams.
As the years passed, he grew up helping his father in the family woodworking shop. It was a small business that struggled to make ends meet because the area was poor, and most people had very little money to spend.
One day, Ethan noticed his father browsing an interesting website. His father quickly closed the page, not wanting him to see it, but Ethan's curiosity got the better of him. Before long, he had found the website on his own and began exploring every page.
The website was called Gazzetta delle Botteghe (The Gazette of Artisan Workshops).
It was unlike any other website he had ever seen. It was a place where artisans, family businesses, and traditional workshops shared their stories, experiences, and ideas. It also encouraged cooperation between Italian and American craftspeople, businesses, and workshops.
Ethan was fascinated.
He spent hours reading every article and every story. Deep in his heart, he made a promise to himself:
"One day, I'll go to Italy and build a new life there."
Years went by.
When Ethan became an adult, he made the most difficult decision of his life.
He was leaving home.
Looking at his parents, he said softly,
"Don't worry. I'll come back one day... and when I do, I'll take you with me to Italy."
His mother couldn't hold back her tears.
"Ethan... my son... please don't leave. Not now."
"I understand, Mom," he replied gently, "but my mind is made up. I'll leave next week. I truly believe I'll find my future there."
His father smiled proudly.
"I know you'll succeed. You're the son of an old master carpenter, and I've taught you everything I could. From now on, the rest depends on you. Remember this: never panic, and always think carefully before making an important decision."
Then came the day they had all been dreading.
For Ethan's parents, it felt like watching a part of their lives walk away.
Ethan never looked back.
He knew that if he turned around and saw his parents crying, he would never find the strength to leave.
His father and mother gave him everything they could afford: a little money, some food, and a heartfelt blessing.
His mother remained silent.
She felt weak and carried a strange feeling in her heart, one she couldn't explain—not even to her husband.
After a long journey, Ethan finally arrived in Italy.
He didn't stop in the first city he reached.
Instead, he headed for the place where the website Gazzetta delle Botteghe had been created.
His journey led him to the beautiful region of Abruzzo.
Unfortunately, by the time he arrived, he had spent every last dollar he had.
He was completely broke.
Still, he refused to lose hope.
He gathered small pieces of wood from the surrounding countryside and settled for a while in the town of San Giovanni Teatino, a peaceful place where he could admire the mountains he had seen so many times online.
Using nothing more than his talent and determination, he began carving decorative objects, children's toys, and handcrafted wooden pieces.
People walking by stopped to watch him work.
They were amazed by the skill with which such a young man handled professional woodworking tools that he had brought all the way from America.
Within days, customers began asking for custom-made creations.
Word spread quickly.
Before long, everyone wanted something made by Ethan—something unique, handcrafted, and created with genuine passion in a world where fewer and fewer people still worked with their hands.
One afternoon, an elderly man with a stern expression stopped in front of Ethan's display.
"Tell me the truth," he said. "Did you really make all these pieces yourself? Or are you one of those people who take credit for someone else's work? You're far too young to know these techniques."
Ethan smiled.
Without saying another word, he unpacked his tools once again.
Right there, in front of the old man's eyes, he carved a breathtaking mountain landscape, complete with the sun shining above the peaks.
The man stood speechless.
Finally, Ethan looked at him and said calmly,
"Sir, never judge a person before getting to know them. Please... take this home with you. Maybe it will remind you of something truly important."
He handed the carving to the old man and quietly walked away.
The man remained frozen in place.
Not a single word came out of his mouth.
He simply thought,
"Today, a young man taught me one of the greatest lessons of my life. I truly hope I meet him again."
The old man's name was Ugo.
Although his home was far away, in the mountain village of Castel del Monte in the Province of L'Aquila, he decided to stay nearby for a few more days.
Early the next morning, he thanked the friend who had hosted him overnight and returned to the town square, hoping to see the young craftsman again.
Before long, he spotted Ethan sitting outside a charming café with two entrances.
He wasn't alone.
He was sharing a table with several young people.
In just a short time, Ethan had made many friends.
Whenever he earned a little money, he used part of it to buy meals for homeless or struggling young people.
Ugo watched quietly from a distance.
He noticed something extraordinary.
While everyone else was eating, Ethan was smiling, happy simply because he had been able to help others.
After the group left, Ugo entered the café.
He ordered an espresso and asked the barista,
"Can you tell me something about that young man?"
The bartender smiled.
"You mean..."
"...the Good American?"
To be continued...
