(disclaimer: this may be very badly written grammatically because this is not my first language and I'm tired)
An (un)happy story of sodomy
Matteo's two and a half years In Italy
1772, Matteo's father decides it's time for him to study outside of America. By the son's request—yet more by the man's ideals— he sends Matteo to study literature in Italy, Venice specifically.
Matteo unfortunately finds himself immediately struggling in the new environment. That's when he meets a guy, Dante; A one year younger artist that Matteo happens to befriend, and by his advice he manages to get through studies. He's a year into study when he discovers his father is sick, yet he continues with his progression instead of coming back home like his sister begged him to do. When Matteo's father dies, in 1774, he still refuses to come back and instead starts to live with Dante, finding his own job.
Another half a year passes and suspects start to rise, his relationship with the other man is too close for the town’s liking, that suspect gets immediately confirmed when they were caught—both of which were oblivious—. When they come to the news Matteo decides to escape. He begs Dante to come with him to America but he refuses to do so, surrendering instead and getting arrested.
When Matteo comes back to America he's well welcomed by "his" mother but not by his sister. She will refuse to talk to him for a long time, never really forgiving him.
In the meantime Dante manages to get out with the help of his mentor, and the two lovers will still communicate to each other through the years.
