Namesake, Hell

hyde-hall-light

“Enzo!”

The boy would not look up from his game. Carbone felt his gorge rising.

The guide went on, oblivious. “Craftsmen from Naples and Sicily were brought in special to do the plaster carving. They would fight, so the foreman had to have them work on different floors.”

“Enzo’s great grandfather was one of those craftsmen,” Lorna said, pride in her voice as though the kid was something special. “His namesake, in fact.”

The guide looked at him for the first time. “Are you artistic, Enzo?

Fully absorbed, Enzo did not answer.

Carbone couldn’t even look at him. Namesake, hell.

 

19 comments

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  1. ansumani

    That’s the thing about namesakes…but then again there were no video games back then and kids spent so some much time observing their fathers/grandfathers that they naturally followed their footsteps.

    Nice story. The father’s frustration is portrayed well.

  2. kirizar

    This reminds me of a trip I took to Rome. A teenager had been brought along with her parents who were taking the same summer abroad course I was. This girl consisted entirely of long-suffering sighs, exaggerated eye rolls and slumped defiance. Her parents had even arranged for a Mass to be held for her honor (whatever that might be) at a famous church. The teen was unmoved, untouched, and completely unlikable. What a waste of money that had to have been.

  3. Margaret

    Wonderful portrayal of all three characters. They are very engaging. I feel Carbone’s annoyance and contempt; I understand Lorna’s motherly pride; I’ve known many young Enzos and am eternally glad adolescence is shortlived.

  4. gahlearner

    Poor kid, he may have wonderful talents and his parents don’t have a clue because of their idea what he should be like. Great story, feels very real.

  5. storydivamg

    Good work, Hardy. The museum/historical landmark theme works well with this photo, and you did a nice job of weaving the story of a modern family here.

    All my best,
    MG

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