(IVANNA)
Today was perfect.
Before shopping, Karlen had taken me to see the famous town fountain. But more than the tourist sites, he had shown me his favorite spots, the charming side of the streets and gardens. This is better than any tour that I had ever asked for.
"You come here a lot. Don't you?" I ask as we stroll.
"As much as I can. It is much easier here in Tyva. Here, we can blend in."
"But you still have to be careful."
"Yes, my father's wealth is vast, and we have enemies everywhere. There is never any space safe for me."
"I'm so sorry, Karlen."
"Things are changing. Slowly." He says. "Maybe our next generation of the Bratva won't question a man for his sexual preferences."
I doubt that, but saying that out loud at the moment would be unnecessary. Progress in the mafia will never match progress in the real world. From what I've seen and witnessed all my life, the mafia is still pretty much stuck in the nineteenth century.
