The Italian city was beautiful, like a painting from medieval tales, a lost poem from "El Cid," a distant pce where the modern world had yet to reach. People lived a traditional life, and the world ce of vitality. Billy strolled with Monica, riding in horse-drawn carriages and walking occasionally. Their first stop that afternoon was the Cathedral of Saints Donatus aer, followed by the Basilica of San Francesco, and then they enjoyed some pizza in Piazza Grande from a cart selling delicious wood-fired pizza—delicious despite its humble setup.

  -That over there is the Medici Fortress,- remarked Monica, pointing in the distance. One of the 16th-tury architectural gems on San Donato Hill, they po visit it tomorrow if time allowed. It was built by Florentine architects Giuliano and Antonio da Sangallo and pleted in 1540 by the order of o I de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tusy.

  -e o’s buy those bracelets,- said Billy, spotting a small jewelry stand against a wall, where delicate silver bracelets with intricate Tus designs were being sold.

  -Do you like it?- Billy asked, admiring the intricate, web-like design that resembled a cuff bracelet. Monica tried to say no, but seeing the light in her eyes, Billy bought it without a sed thought.

  They walked down two blocks aered a bar, where they shared a gss of mulled wihat was of poor quality but ehe intimacy of their versation.

  -Tomorrow we go to the museums, - said Monica, finishing her gss of wine.

  -We will, - replied Billy, kissing her hands, especially her knuckles, while she held her hands gracefully, appearing indifferent with a cold expression, though her eyes were lively and filled with unspoken words.

  In Arezzo, there was the National Archaeological Museum Gaio io Meate, the Civic Museum of Medieval and Modern Art, and the Vasari House Museum. But the whole town was a work of art, full of details and plexities that made it beautiful on its own. Many films had been shot in the surroundings of Arezzo, capturing the beauty of its people. Its charm was undeniable.

  …

  Billy’s kisses nded on the neck of the dark-haired woman, who let herself be carried away by his steady rhythm.

  -Sometimes our bodies blend as if they were made to please each other,- Monica murmured, followed by a deep kiss. He took off her white blouse, then unbuttoned her skirt, seeing her sheer nightgown that fell just above her knees, her lingerie perfectly matg. He loved seeing her in ce, feeling himself harden with the same ease that she felt excited about the moments to e.

  Monielt and unbuckled his belt, then unbuttoned his pants, pressing her face against his ere, feeling the pulsing against her cheek as she moved down while he took off his shirt. Pulling down his boxers, she began to see a certain urgen his movements, taking him in her hand. He fell bato the bed, closing his eyes as she began to stroke him gently, feeling the warmth against her skin, and then took him in her mouth, sav and swallowing, swirliongue around him and looking up to meet his gaze, caressing her cheek tenderly.

  She caressed him, fog oip, the mase st surroundihinking of nothing else. Every sigh, every small release from him was enough stimution for her, to find it necessary to be loved.

  She could feel he was close, tightening her grip, a him finish in her mouth, swallowing most of it, though a few white drops escaped. She wiped them away with her hand, igniting a sense of passion, aered her with strength; she was wet and willing. He was slow, taking her waist and following the rhythm until he hit just the right spot, hearing her breathing, each subtle movement, the intense moment when she couldn’t hide her pleasure. The rhythm was a bad-forth that became paradise as he pressed his chest to hers, biting her ear, her ot, sending a shiver through her.

  -Turn around, - he said, and hearing his and, a warmth surged within her. She turned over, aook her from behind, firmly, his hands smag her, dominatihis time was longer, over and over, their bodies glistening, his hands moving over her hips, taking them to the edge of pleasure. She came once, but he tinued, and the climax came shortly after, but mently. He kissed her breasts, nibbled, and caressed. Exhausted after their first half-hour session.

  They showered a for another round, as Monica was insatiable, only satisfied when on the brink.

  ***

  The Lux Animation ics were very popur; she thought they’d be rare but mao find the first five volumes of Real, seeing the story of a boy pying basketball in a wheelchair. At first, she thought it was a real photo. But it wasn’t—it was a drawing, and it amazed her.

  Every detail was superbly crafted. She pared it to a Did it was like night and day; the spaces looked like ses from Los Angeles or San Jose, the streets finely detailed.

  -I want to buy the entire box set of Lux Animation ics,- said Kate the day after reading the five volumes avaible in the shop.

  -Which series? - asked the young man.

  -There are that many? I don’t know, something not too long,- she replied, looking at the various series there. So many series, so many eborate drawings in different styles, she was tinually amazed at the range of ideas a man could imagine over six years.

  -If you’re looking for something with substance, Evangelion is twelve volumes in omnibus, or maybe One Piece, which has three volumes. Each of these is a major series. Billy Carson challenges artisticepts in both art and storytelling. If we’re purists, I’d lean towards Evangelion. But we ’t always be purists. One Piebsp;is a romantic tale about a man’s quest for freedom; I think you’d like the theme,- the young man suggested, handihe pack of three One Piebsp;omnibuses. The cover was white with intricate designs, characters, and artwork inspired by Van Gogh, making her eyes widen at the level of detail.

  -I like that one,- said Kate, admiring the design. It invited her to read it; the characters were smiling, each with a charm that showed the artist’s dedication.

  -They’re he author mentioned he’d take a break until year when the advearts. For now, if you want something iing, Cowboy Bebop has seven volumes, and we have two in stock. It’s still one of the great works,- said the store clerk.

  Kate narrowed her eyes but decided to buy it ale in at home. She started with One Piece, which exceeded her every expectation. The story was delightful and genuinely fun, from the intricate details, the cept of pirates and devil fruits, and the plot that seemed drawn from an almost unimaginable pce, with a pyful charm remi of Loounes.

  ...

  Sorry for not posting mu the st few days, I've beehly sick, and it's already passing. I got flu that didn't let me eve out of bed. I sted almost ten days with her.

  Oher hand, I am better now and I perform and write more naturally. I will tinue publishing. Don't give up. P.S. Merry Christmas to everyone.