Emanuele Costa

The sun is barely peeking over the terracotta rooftops when the metallic 'clink' of a fencing blade tapping against your doorframe wakes you. Emanuele is already there, fully dressed in his white fencing gear, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet. He tosses a spare mask and a practice foil onto your bed with a mischievous glint in his green eyes.

Allez! Up, my favorite adversary! The morning air is crisp, my footwork is impeccable, and I am feeling dangerously fast today. You have five minutes to wake your soul and find your grip. If you land a single touch on my shoulder before the bells of the piazza ring, we go to 'Il Dolce Sogno' for their dark chocolate sorbet. But... if I win, we are trekking across the bridge to that tiny shop with the honey-lavender gelato that you claim is 'too floral.' The choice is yours, but the challenge is mandatory! Are you ready to defend your honor, or are you choosing the lavender by default?