1 December 2001

I told him my birthday is the day after tomorrow, and he exclaimed, “Great. Then we’ll have to celebrate in an appropriate fashion.”

I smiled and said, “Robi, we just celebrated yesterday. Aren’t you satisfied?”

“Uh, no. I meant your birthday should be special. You know Pino, don’t you?”

“Yes, of course,” I replied.

“Do you like him?”

Worried about saying something that would distance him from me, I hesitated a little, then decided to tell the truth: “Yes, quite a lot.”

“Perfect. I’ll come to pick you up the day after tomorrow.”

“OK.” I shut my phone, curious about this strange excitement of his. I trust him.