Blessed be the mystery of love
Part 1
There's a hidden side of history, one of loves lived cautiously behind closed doors...
We shall explore one, today. The love of a young count and his closest friend, who met in sweet Florence, and sought refuge in chaotic, open Naples.
But we won't be seeing anything sweet, today. We're going to watch one of their saddest memories: a death. Let us speak no more, though. Death is sacred, and even more so when it happens under a lover's tearful gaze...
Antonio walked into Giacomo's room, and looked at the stars shining out the window above the Mount Vesuvius, silent guardian of the city. "Amore mio, how are you feeling tonight?"
Giacomo smiled sadly. "Antonio, lay here with me, will you?"
"Of... Of course, mio poeta, but... Why? Are you alright?" His eyes scanned the other's pale face with a frantic worry.
"Yes, and no. But I have to ask something of you."
Antonio laid there, close to his lover, and kissed one of now frail hands. "Anything for you, my dear Giacomo. Anything."
"Then... Go away, when I pass. And take our letters with you. But please, burn them. No one has to know of us..."
Antonio looked at Giacomo as if he suddenly grew another head. "But... I cannot leave you here! I cannot forget you, my love..."
Giacomo shook his head. "I cannot protect you once I leave this earth..."
Antonio took both the poet's hands in his and held them to his chest. "Patroclus did not leave Achilles, and Alexander did not leave Hephaestion, nor did Adrian leave Antinous. Like them, I won't leave you. You are my life, Giacomo, please, don't ask this of me." His voice cracked on the last words.
Giacomo smiled. "And it's the same for me, anima mia, but they were free to feel their love, unlike us... That's why I ask this of you. Please, keep yourself safe... I won't be able to do that for much longer..." It was clear that soeaking was hard for him.
"No... No! Giacomo, please, don't talk like this... You'll live a thousand more days, and I'll stay by your side for a thousand and one. For all of eternity." Antonio cried.
Giacomo put a hand on Antonio's cheek, and smiled when he put his over it, as if to make sure it stayed there."I'm sorry for leaving you, Antonio... Forgive me..." Antonio leant down, and they kissed for the last time.
When he pulled away, Giacomo's eyes were closed, the phantom of a smile on them. Tears rolled down Antonio's cheeks, as he held Giacomo's body in his arms for the last time. "Wait for me, sweet poet, I'll reach you soon..."