Sally Boy Read Online Free PDF Page B

friend with concerns that I wanted to instruct
you on myself. Things I didn’t have a chance to properly teach you
because of lack of time. Understand?”
    Salvatore nodded slowly. “I had a bad dream
last night. If I go to America something bad will happen to me.
I’ll die. I know it!”
    Mama stopped abruptly. “Do not say such
things! Nothing bad is going to happen to you, my love. You will
like living in America. It’s a glorious place. You’ll make new
friends and see great things. Oh, I almost forgot! I have one more
gift for you, my prince. We wanted to give it to you right before
you got on the boat.”
    Reaching into her coat pocket, Mama pulled
out a small box and carefully opened it. “Papa and I got you this
beautiful crucifix.” Mama removed the solid gold rope necklace from
the box and easily slid the heavy chain over her grandson’s
head.
    “Mama, it’s much too big for me,” Salvatore
noted looking down at the chain.
    Mama smiled. “We know. We bought it like
that so you would be able to wear it now and when you’re all grown
up. Father Gagliano blessed it himself. He said as long as you wore
it, the Heavenly Father would protect you and ease your fears.
Promise me you’ll never take it off.”
    “I promise.”
    “Do you like it?” Mama asked softly.
    “I love it. Thank you.” Salvatore looked up
at his grandfather. “Thank you, Papa.”
    Cogassi smiled warmly. “You’re welcome.”
    “Don’t forget your promise, Salvatore.”
    “I won’t, Mama.”
    “And promise me you’ll never forget your
mother or...or your Mama and Papa.”
    “I’ll never forget my mother, or you and
Papa. I swear.”
    “I know you won’t.” Mama gently kissed her
grandson’s cheek.
    “Please don’t make me go, Mama. What if I
get sick? Who will take care of me?”
    “Salvatore, that is enough,” Cogassi
scolded, fighting back his own tears. “Please do not make this any
harder on us than it is. This is the most difficult thing we have
ever had to do. We wired your father and told him you were coming.
Now stop crying and be a man.”
    “I don’t want to be a man. I want to stay
here with you and Mama.”
    “You’re already a man, my love.” Mama hugged
her grandson. “You’re brave, kind, caring, honest, and respectful
to others. These are all the qualities a man should have. And you
have them all. Don’t ever change, my little prince.”
    “I won’t,” Salvatore swore, hugging back as
if never wanting to let go.
    Glancing up through the crowd, Cogassi
recognized his old friend standing exactly where they had agreed to
meet. “There’s Signore Zeoli. Come along now, Mama.”
    “Thank you again for your kindness, old
friend.” Cogassi greeted Zeoli with a firm handshake.
    “No need to thank me, Dominick. Salvatore is
a good boy. I’m very glad to help,” Zeoli replied graciously.
    “Hello, Signore Zeoli,” Salvatore said,
subdued.
    A retired businessman, Signore Zeoli was
very well-respected in the community. He was up in years, with a
slight build, graying hair, a handsome face, and strong arms. Zeoli
greeted the boy with a friendly smile. “Hello, Salvatore. We don’t
have much time before the ship departs, so I’ll let your
grandparents say their ‘good-byes’ to you in private. I’ll be at
the top of the gangplank waiting for you. I’ll be standing right
there with the rest of my family.” Pointing out his family, Zeoli
waved to them, and they waved back. “Okay?”
    “Yes, Signore Zeoli.”
    “Dominick, I’ll see you and Antoinette in
four weeks.” Zeoli shook Cogassi’s hand once more.
    “Thank you, again.” Cogassi smiled.
    Throwing her arms around Zeoli, Mama gave
him a big hug. “Tell Helen I said ‘Hello,’ and wish everyone well.
Have a good trip, Vincenzo.”
    “Thank you, Antoinette. We will.” Zeoli made
his way up onto the ship and joined his family at the railing.
    The boat sounded its horn with three quick
blasts, signaling all passengers to