Pleasing Everyone

Elizabeth Fontano and her two children walked through the winding streets of Italy which were basked in beautiful morning sunshine. There was happiness in the air as the children were about to attend their first year at Roma’s Scuola Di Fascino e di Bravura Eccezionale.

Alessandra and Alfredo Fontano bounded ahead knowing exactly where they were going. They were identical twins, with polar opposite personalities. Alessandra was quiet and timid, with long flowing black hair and gray eyes which stood out from her heart-shaped face. Alfredo was tall for his age, with a mass of curly black hair, with dark eyes to match. Both looked like their father, who had passed when they were five.

Their mother had promised them a familiar for their birthday which was on September 2nd, and so they needed to buy it before they left.

Turning the corner, down a long and winding back street, Elizabeth found a small dip in the stone wall that was hidden away behind some well placed wine crates by the landlord, Leonardo Galliano. Withdrawing her wand from her wicker basket that she always carried with her, she drew a large circle onto the wall and tapped the north, east, south and west of it. “Step back” She said as she gathered the children from the wall, and watched as it magically transform into an elegant walkway into Cleric Alley.

Alessandra and Alfredo gaped in amazement for only a second before running on ahead laughing and weaving through the large crowds of witches and wizards with their kids trying to get everything they needed for the new term. Elizabeth smiled at a couple of the parents she recognised and walked along the left row of shops admiring the dress robes in the window. Oh how I wish I could afford nice things, she thought, drawing her attention to the fact, she did not have much money and sending two children away to school at the same time was always going to be difficult financially. But she managed, and knew that Lessie and Alfie were to have the best time of their lives at school.

Soon enough, the twins had reached their destination, Madame Athena’s Animale Negozio. “I can’t believe mother’s getting us a pet!” Alessandro squealed at her brother, jumping up and down. Alfredo nodded, thinking about which animal he wanted.

“Now now, behave, or there will be no pet.” Their mother chided, as she approached them. “Come along, we still have other things to attend to.”
Bustling the two small children into the shop, Elizabeth greeted Madame Athena with a smile and polite conversation as Alessandra and Alfredo looked at the familiars, which were squawking, hooting, meowing and even growling at them.

After a short time, Elizabeth went to see Alessandra and see what she had found. “Lessie, which animal would you prefer?” The young girl turned around and pointed high up into the air. Following the finger, Elizabeth noticed a small barn owl, with freckled wings perched on a ledge and it hooted so softly that it could barely be heard. It was a cute little pet that would be perfect for Alessandra. Swiftly turning her attention back to her daughter, she replied, “If you so wish. Now where is your brother?” She pondered out loud, before hearing him laugh. She made her way to the back of the store, which was a lot darker and quieter than the front.

“Alfie, which animal would you prefer?” The young boy turned to his mother and pointed low to the ground. His mother followed his gaze and her eyes landed on an almighty python, bright purple in colour with a yellow tongue. It hissed loudly and curled around the table leg.

Elizabeth was worried. She knew she couldn’t afford both animals. Crouching low, she spoke to Alfredo. “If your sister wants an owl and you want a python, and I can only afford one familiar, whatever am I meant to do?”

The Moral of the story is: “You can’t please everyone.”

Translations (should be):
Roma’s Scuola Di Fascino e di Bravura Eccezionale - Rome's school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Animale Negozio - Animal Shop

Translated by lomadia