Summary

The narrator wonders if they can accomplish some unnamed feat, and then sets out to do so.

They first met Salvatore when he was 15. He was pleasant and happy. He would spend mornings "lying on the beach" (1). He had a lovely body, and a graceful demeanor. He swam in a clumsy yet carefree way that is typical of fishermen.

He would run up on "the jagged rocks" barefoot and jump into the water, howling with excitement (1). Salvatore's father worked as a fisherman and owned a small vineyard. Salvatore often cared for "his two younger brothers" (1). He would watch them on the beach. He would dress them. He made sure they were safe, and that they went home on time for the "midday meal" (1).

However, in this Southern region of Italy, brothers often grew rapidly apart. Soon, Salvatore fell "in love with a pretty...