Love and Courage in a Village of Mysteries and Conspiracies

by Marco Arezio

Stories. The Secret of Corenno Plinio. Chapter 3: A Common Decision

The morning in Corenno Plinio was serene and peaceful. The first rays of sunlight penetrated through the green shutters of the stone house, waking Lisa and Andrea from their sleep. With a free day ahead of them, they decided it would be nice to take a break and spend a few days on vacation in the countryside.

After getting up, they prepared breakfast and brought it to the balcony overlooking the lake. The balcony was an enchanting corner of the house, furnished with wicker furniture and flowering plants. The views of the lake were spectacular, with the green mountains reflected in the calm water.

Breakfast was simple but delicious. Strong coffee accompanied by fresh croissants bought the day before, yogurt with honey and nuts, and an assortment of fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, and apple slices. As they ate, they chatted about this and that, enjoying the chirping of birds and the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore of the lake.

"What do you think about looking for a country house for a few days?" Andrea proposed, breaking the relaxing silence.

Lisa nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds like a great idea. We could go to the Piedmont hills. I’ve heard there are wonderful places to relax and enjoy nature."

After breakfast, they moved inside and sat at the living room table with the laptop. Lisa opened the browser and started searching for rental houses in the Piedmont hills. The stone fireplace behind them added a touch of warmth and comfort to the setting.

"The view here is incredible," said Lisa, looking out the window while searching online. "But a change of scenery for a few days would do us good."

She found several options, from rustic stone farmhouses to modern villas with pools. Each listing seemed to promise a perfect escape from the daily chaos.

"Look at this," she said, pointing to a house on a hill surrounded by greenery, with vineyards all around and a small pool. "What do you think?"

Andrea carefully examined the photos on the screen. "It looks perfect. We could go for walks, visit some wineries, and just relax."

After comparing several options, they decided to book that house. It was a renovated rustic farmhouse with large green spaces, breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, and a veranda where they could dine outdoors.

With the reservation confirmed, they started planning what to bring. Comfortable clothes for walking, a few good books to read in the shade of the trees, and of course, a bottle of local wine to toast under the stars in the evenings.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home, with the satisfaction of knowing that soon they would have a little adventure in the countryside. The decision to take a break from the routine turned out to be the right choice, and they couldn’t wait to leave for the Piedmont hills, ready to immerse themselves in nature and recharge their energy.

Andrea and Lisa were perhaps a couple from another time, living for their love and overcoming life's difficulties with zeal and determination since they met.

Lisa and Andrea first met during one of the many craft fairs held every summer on Lake Como. It was a hot June day, and the fair was crowded with locals and tourists, all curious to explore the stalls full of handmade items, local products, and artworks.

Lisa had gone to the fair with some friends, eager to find some unique pieces to decorate her home in Corenno Plinio. She was strolling among the stalls, admiring the artisans' work, when a small painting caught her eye.

She approached to get a better look and noticed that someone was doing the same from the other side of the stall. Their eyes met, and Lisa found herself looking into Andrea's blue eyes.

"It's a nice painting, isn't it?" Andrea said with a smile.

Lisa nodded, smiling back. "Yes, very. It has a certain serenity that I like."

They started talking, discovering they had many things in common. Andrea told her about his work at the hospital in Bellano and how he loved the tranquil atmosphere of the lake. Lisa, in turn, talked about her work as an art history teacher in Colico and her passion for art and decorating. The conversation flowed easily, and they both felt an immediate connection.

After exploring a few more stalls together, they decided to stop at a café to continue talking. Sitting outdoors, with a view of the lake, they shared stories of their lives, laughs, and dreams for the future. Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was evening.

"I really enjoyed today," Andrea said, looking into Lisa's eyes. "Would you like to see each other again?"

Lisa smiled, feeling warmth growing in her heart. "I’d love that."

They started seeing each other regularly, discovering new aspects of each other that fascinated and brought them closer together each time. Andrea admired Lisa’s passion and creativity, while Lisa appreciated Andrea’s dedication and empathy. Their outings varied from walks along the lake to dinners in the local crotti, always accompanied by long conversations and laughs.

One day, they decided to take a boat trip on the lake. The sun was shining and the water was calm, providing the perfect setting for a romantic day. As the boat glided over the water, Lisa and Andrea found themselves getting closer, talking about their dreams and aspirations. It was at that moment, with the lake and mountains as a backdrop, that Andrea realized how important Lisa was to him.

"Lisa," he said, taking her hand, "since I met you, my life has become brighter. You are special to me."

Lisa looked at him, feeling the same emotions in her heart. "You are special to me too, Andrea. I feel so happy when we’re together."

That moment marked the beginning of their love story. From that day on, their relationship grew, built on deep respect and mutual affection. Over time, they decided to live together in Corenno Plinio, finding in the tranquil beauty of the lake the perfect place to build their future.

The days spent together were full of small moments of happiness: cooking dinners together, exploring the trails around the lake, reading books curled up on the couch during winter evenings. Their home became a cozy refuge, decorated with the unique pieces Lisa found at the markets, each with a special story.

They were both from Bergamo, having come to Lake Como for work.

Lisa came from a Bergamasco family in Azzone, a small village nestled in the Val di Scalve.

Every morning, before the sun rose, Carlo would get up, put on his heavy leather boots, and head to the surrounding woods. Armed with a chainsaw and an axe, he spent his days felling trees, cutting logs, and preparing firewood for the winter. The work was strenuous and dangerous; it required great physical strength and deep knowledge of the forest and its pitfalls. Carlo often worked alone, relying only on his experience and determination.

While Carlo took care of the woods, Lisa's mother, Maria, worked as a cheesemaker for a local farming family. Every morning, Maria went to the barn to milk the cows. The work began at dawn, when the silence of the valley was broken only by the mooing of cows and the sound of wheelbarrows transporting hay. Maria knew each cow by name and could immediately tell if something was wrong.

After milking, she turned the milk into typical local cheeses, such as formaggella from Val di Scalve. Cheese making was an ancient art that required precision and patience: the milk was heated, curdled, and then pressed into wooden molds. Maria carefully followed each step, ensuring the cheeses had the right consistency and flavor.

Despite the economic difficulties and the hard work, Lisa's parents always tried to guarantee their daughter a proper education. Lisa attended elementary and middle school in her village, showing a great passion for studying and a natural talent for drawing from an early age.

With her family’s support, she decided to continue her studies and enrolled, after attending the art high school in Bergamo, at the University of Milan, where she graduated in art history.

After graduating, Lisa found work as a temporary teacher at the high school in Colico. Living with the uncertainty of a temporary contract wasn’t easy, but Lisa didn’t get discouraged. Every day, she faced the challenge of engaging her students with grit and determination, using innovative and creative methods. She organized guided tours to museums, set up art exhibitions, and invited local artists to give lectures and workshops.

Lisa was aware of the difficulties of her work but was also proud of her origins and the sacrifices her parents had made. Often, in her lessons, she told her students real-life stories, trying to convey the importance of perseverance and hard work.

Andrea grew up in Bergamo, in the picturesque Città Alta, a place steeped in history and charm. The Città Alta of Bergamo is a perfectly preserved medieval village, enclosed by imposing Venetian walls built in the 16th century, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The narrow cobblestone streets wind between historic buildings, ancient churches, and picturesque squares, such as Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the city, dominated by the Palazzo della Ragione and the Civic Tower.

The Duomo of Sant'Alessandro and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore are examples of extraordinary architecture and religious art, telling centuries of devotion and culture.

Andrea came from a family deeply rooted in the Bergamo community. His father, Giovanni, was a highly respected general practitioner in the Città Alta. For decades, Giovanni had served the community with dedication and competence, becoming a point of reference for his patients. His work was characterized by long days of house calls and consultations in his office, located on one of the historic streets of the village.

Every morning, Giovanni walked the cobblestone streets with his medical bag, knowing every alley and every family in the neighborhood. Now close to retirement, he continued to work with the same passion as always, though he had reduced the number of patients to devote more time to his personal interests and family.

Andrea's mother, Lucia, was a housewife who had dedicated her life to caring for her family. Lucia was a woman of great warmth and generosity, always ready to support her children and create a welcoming and serene home environment.

Andrea had a younger brother, Carlo, who had just graduated in civil engineering. Carlo, like Andrea, had inherited a strong work ethic and a great sense of responsibility from their parents. After graduating, Carlo began working for a small construction company, passionately dedicating himself to the restoration and preservation of historical buildings in Bergamo and the surrounding areas.

Andrea had always admired his father and, from a young age, had decided to follow in his footsteps. After attending the classical high school Sarpi in Bergamo, he enrolled in the medical school at the University of Milan.

The university years were intense and challenging, but Andrea faced his studies with determination and passion, supported by his father’s example and his family’s love. After graduating, he specialized in internal medicine, a field that allowed him to deepen his clinical knowledge and develop a holistic view of the patient.

After completing his specialization, Andrea found work at the hospital in Bellano, a small center located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The hospital, though modest in size, was renowned for the quality of care and attention to patients.

Andrea moved to Bellano with enthusiasm, ready to put into practice what he had learned during his years of study and build a career in medicine. He worked closely with a dedicated team of doctors and nurses, facing new challenges every day and constantly striving to improve.

Despite the distance from Bergamo, Andrea maintained a strong bond with his family. Whenever he had some free time, he returned to the Città Alta to visit his parents and brother. Walks with his father through the historic streets, chats with his mother over a cup of coffee, and discussions with Carlo about work projects were precious moments that Andrea cherished.

One day, during one of these visits, Giovanni talked to Andrea about his imminent retirement. "You know, my son," Giovanni said, "the time has almost come for me to hang up my coat. It’s been a long journey, but I think it’s right to make room for the new generations."

Andrea looked at his father with admiration and a touch of nostalgia. "You’ve done so much for this community, Dad. You’re an example for all of us."

Giovanni smiled. "And you’re on a splendid path. I’m proud of you and the work you do in Bellano. It’s a magnificent place, and I know you’ll make a difference there."

Thus, with the support and inspiration of his family, Andrea continued to grow in his profession, carrying on the legacy of dedication and care passed down from his father. Bellano became his new home, a place where he could make a difference in people’s lives and build his future alongside Lisa, with whom he shared dreams and projects.