An elderly man of 89 felt insulted when he requested a basic sandwich at a café. Stunned, a prosperous woman spotted something on his wrist and went still. As she approached and recognized what it was, her expression turned vacant, and she was utterly…

Isabella, undeterred, simply smiled lightly and responded calmly. What won’t happen again, Marcella, is how you treat people here, because I will make sure everyone knows how your business operates. Marcella froze, aware that her words could have consequences.

Meanwhile, the other customers avoided direct involvement, but it was clear that many were now reconsidering what they had witnessed. Giuseppe, finally regaining some dignity, was led to a table by one of the staff, still under Isabella’s watchful eye. She followed him with her gaze, feeling a mix of sadness and satisfaction.

There was something about this man that stirred a deep empathy within her, a connection she couldn’t quite explain. As Giuseppe settled into his chair, Isabella walked over and pulled out a chair for herself. Now, sir, what would you like to eat? You’re hungry, so let’s take care of that.

Her tone, once firm and challenging, was now warm and inviting. Giuseppe, unsure how to express his gratitude, murmured, I don’t know how to thank you, mum. What you’re doing for me? Isabella smiled, shaking her head.

No need to thank me, Giuseppe, let’s just start with a good lunch and then we can talk. Isabella watched closely as the waiter, still somewhat reluctant, brought Giuseppe’s plate. He placed the sandwich and a cup of coffee on the table, without showing enthusiasm.

But under Isabella’s stern gaze, he didn’t dare say a word. Giuseppe looked at the plate in front of him, with a mix of surprise and gratitude. His fingers, still trembling, slowly reached for the bread but hesitated, as if he were waiting for it all to be a dream, ready to evaporate at any moment.

You can eat, Isabella encouraged, with a gentle smile that contrasted with her earlier firmness. It’s yours, you deserve it. Giuseppe nodded grateful and took his first bite of the sandwich.

The hunger seemed to dissolve all the shame and embarrassment he had felt just moments before. He chewed slowly, almost reverently, while Isabella watched him calmly, trying to process the strange feeling that filled her chest. It was a mix of compassion and something deeper, something that made her feel an inexplicable connection to this man.

As Giuseppe ate, the café had returned to a state of forced normalcy. Marcella, still indignant about Isabella’s intervention, had stepped away from the counter, speaking in hushed tones with the staff, and casting furtive glances toward the table where the two were seated. However, the atmosphere still carried a residue of the earlier tension, as if something more was yet to come.

It was then that, as Isabella adjusted her bag on the table, something shimmered on Giuseppe’s wrist. Her eyes caught the glint of an old watch. For a moment she didn’t pay much attention, but soon something about the accessory drew her in.

There was something incredibly familiar about the shape and style of the watch. She blinked a few times, as if trying to push away a distant memory that was starting to resurface. «‘Mr.

Giuseppe,’ she said, her tone now tinged with curiosity. «‘May I see your watch?’ Giuseppe, a bit confused, stopped eating, and looked at his wrist, as if he had forgotten he was still wearing the accessory. «‘Oh, of course.’ He began to carefully unfasten the strap, and as he handed the watch to Isabella, he commented, «‘It’s a keepsake from… someone very important.’ Isabella took the watch in her hands, her fingers trembling.

The cool texture of the metal took her back to memories she had locked away long ago. She turned the watch over to examine the back, and suddenly her heart raced. Engraved on the underside, in delicate letters, was a name that made her shudder.

Emanuele. She brought a hand to her mouth in shock. That watch.

It was the same one she had given as a gift many years ago to the person who meant everything in her life. That watch belonged to Emanuele, the man she had loved and tragically lost. How had that object come to Giuseppe? Where did you get this watch?’ Isabella’s voice trembled as she asked the question.

She couldn’t take her eyes off the object, as if it had reopened a wound she thought had healed. Giuseppe, sensing the emotion in Isabella’s eyes, was confused for a moment. «‘It was… a gift,’ he said hesitantly.

«‘A gift from my son. Emanuele.’ His words hit Isabella like a blow. Her suspicions were correct…