Le ore inutili: novelle

A richly textured scene opens in a sun‑drenched Milanese salon, where the elegant Ottavia Dimauro lounges amid silk, gold‑tinged décor and a pastel portrait that seems to echo her own gaze. When Dino Altavilla, a hesitant yet earnest young man, finally summons the courage to reveal a secret that has haunted him for months, the conversation teeters between playful banter and a palpable tension. Their exchange offers a glimpse into the fragile dance of desire and anxiety that fuels their connection.

The narrative drifts through the intimate details of the room—Persian carpets, amber‑hued walls, delicate lace—while the portrait on the wall becomes a silent witness to the characters’ inner lives. As Dino reflects on his obsession with the painted eyes, the story hints at the power of art to bind strangers together and to surface long‑suppressed emotions. This opening promises a tender exploration of love, vulnerability, and the quiet moments that shape our most personal revelations.