My grandfather’s cousin: a family friend. This summer, I went to visit Peppino at Morena, his smallholding located on the southern slope of Badolato Borgo. Meanwhile, in the company of his wife, Vittoria, we sat in the cool shade of the cottage and talked at length about the past.

Indeed, if it had been possible, I would have loved to transform their words immediately into images. These were vivid moments of deep familiarity with my maternal grandparents and of authentic social life in the village. Therefore, this meeting felt like a true journey back in time.

Today, it is becoming increasingly difficult to gather these moments of rural life directly from those who experienced them firsthand. Walking along the narrow alleys, climbing up and down from one side of the village to the other, you sometimes no longer feel that deep sense of belonging to the place.

Consequently, you no longer easily meet those who, together with your grandparents, built your very roots. In fact, you no longer hear that voice which, until a few years ago, warmed your heart.

This brings us to the story of the Morena smallholding and life in the fields of Badolato. However, inside the old cottage, time seems to have kept its value completely intact. Therefore, it is truly delightful to listen to them.

Moreover, even a squirrel, intrigued by our conversation, peeps out from one of the cottage windows. Theirs is a life lived with deep passion and with a sacred respect for things and people. Consequently, it is a private life, yet one that remains constantly open to others with sincere brotherly love.

Peppino’s small eyes twinkle as he tells his story, lighting up with a joyful glow. Meanwhile, as we walk through the fields of Morena, the beating summer sun draws deep shadows across his face.

All around us, the fruits of the vegetable garden, the breeding of rabbits, chickens, and pigs, the vines, the olive trees, and the large “gebbia” (the water basin used for irrigation) take shape. Indeed, everything speaks of hard work and dedication.

Ultimately, I owe a huge thank you to Peppino and Vittoria for the time they dedicated to me. Above all, I thank them for the powerful emotions they managed to convey through their affection and their extraordinary simplicity.