Enrico looked at his mother immediately, stunned. Enrico didn’t know if that was a good moment for the truth. But Enrico knew one thing for certain: that lie could not continue any longer. Being called Fred all the time was destroying what little self-respect Enrico still had.

Would it hurt his mother? Yes, certainly. But it wouldn’t hurt more than the way her treatment had hurt Enrico his entire life.

His mother sighed and lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.

“Mom, did you hear what I ...