The Great Gondola
Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of Venice, there was a grand gondola. The gondola was renowned not only for its majestic size and intricate designs but particularly for its magical qualities. Strangely enough, the name of the gondola was simply 'Magnifico.' Legend has it that whoever owned Magnifico would never age.
In the beautiful and bustling city of Venice, a humble gondolier named Luigi led a very ordinary life. He was well-known for his pleasant nature, which endeared him to everyone. Still, his heart longed to own Magnifico, the Great Gondola, and become undying like the stories he had heard. Luigi, with his humble earnings and dreams bigger than the city canals, was determined to acquire the remarkable boat.
One day, an opportunity knocked on his door. The then-owner of Magnifico, Count Salvatore, proposed a deal to the city dwellers. Whosoever could present him with the most unique and precious gift by the eve of Carnivale, would win the ownership of Magnifico.
Inspired, Luigi embarked on a journey to search for a gift worthy enough to impress the Count. He travelled through sun-scorched deserts, towering mountains, and formidable forests. The journey was testing, but his determination never wavered. In the thick of the Amazzoni Forest, Luigi discovered a rare flowering plant, the 'Gigli di Fuoco.' Its petals glowed with an ethereal fire, illuminating the darkest of places. Thrilled with his find, Luigi carefully procured the plant and began his journey back home.
On the day of Carnivale, amidst the jubilant crowd and swirling colors, Luigi presented the glowing plant to Count Salvatore. The crowd gasped in amazement at the unusual sight. Captivated by the fiery splendor of the gift, Count Salvatore declared Luigi as the winner, amidst roaring cheers.
Luigi became the proud owner of Magnifico. The magical qualities of the gondola were true indeed. Luigi ceased to age, while his friends and family grew older. He became the undying gondolier, famous far and wide.
But with time, Luigi realized the cost of living an undying life. He missed experiencing life alongside his loved ones, see them grow and change. He watched them age, while he remained constant. The prospect of living without his dear ones filled him with dread, making his eternal life seem more like a curse.
In his heart, Luigi made a decision. With all the courage he could muster, he sailed the Great Gondola to the deepest end of the lagoon. He took the Gigli di Fuoco plant, now a full-fledged tree, and planted it onto Magnifico. The flaming glow spread from the tree onto the gondola, and in an eruption of blinding light, the magic left Magnifico. Luigi felt the years catch up with him, but he welcomed it with joy. Now, he would live as he was always meant to; alongside his family, his friends, his city.
The Great Gondola was great no more, but in the heart of Luigi, it became even more cherished. For it was not only a part of his wildest dreams but also his bravest decision. The story of the undying gondolier still echoes in the canals of Venice, reminding everyone that age does not signify the end, but the richness of life lived.