The next day, I couldn't stand it any longer. I picked up the phone and invited Katherine to lunch. Like the previous time, we met at the Bosnia Cafe and then went on to a fish restaurant. Since the fish was still half frozen, we had more time for "confessions". I confessed my "colpo di fulmine" to Katherine and complimented her on her appearance. She was wearing a black dress, black shoes and golden jewellery - all from Italy, what a surprise!
Now she understood why I had been so tense when we had walked home together three days ago. She didn't want to start up a friendship, just to enjoy life; because she had just ended a relationship - with an Italian violinist, nota bene - as she reported to me. And Katherine began to tell me more about her life. She had been an "accident", her father a chemist and astronomer, her mother would be 80 next year. I asked her how old she was; what a mistake. Katherine became very angry! "Why do men always ask how old I am?" I replied very quickly that I didn't want to know: "Katherine, I like you as you are!" After the meal we strolled through the city and parted at the Svetlost Publishing House with a kiss. That same evening, I did the walking tour without Katherine, starting at her house. I wrote to her:
Katherine! To know you in Sarajevo! That makes Sarajevo warmer! Even when it is cold! Buona notte e sogni d'oro,
Renato.
From here, I made my way back airily through the streets and alleyways to my landlady.