A day or two into the stay, I once again found myself eating with Aldo, this time alone. It was an informal brunch, and we both seemed to be having a good time. Aldo asked me how our honeymoon was going so far, and I insisted on thanking him once again: "Really, zio, I must thank you for letting us stay here. It's absolutely wonderful. Is there anything I can do to repay you?" I said, assuming there was realistically nothing he could ask for that I would be obligated to fulfill in the long run.

"Actually, my dear, I'm glad you asked that. I do have a small favor...