Cosimo sat restlessly in his chair. He had come here long before everyone, but as they called more names out, but not his. He grasped his fists a little, waiting for his fate to be decided.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure that you’ll get it.” Gabriele said, reassuring him, noticing his anxiousness. “You scored better than me on most results.” 

“Gabriele Barengo.”

Gabriele stood up after, before moving to see them.

“I think he’s going to the navy.” Guglielmo stated.

He had gotten his long ago, straight going for the infantry, just like his family.

Guglielmo had been a friend that he spent sometime with. They studied, often being able to challenge each other. There was some expectation that they could bring it altogether.  

Cosimo had a subtle agreement. “I think his father would be astounded if he didn’t. Besides, he was the one who really taught me a lot of the jargon that I didn’t know but would learn.”

There was a lot with his background. He could see why pedigree could matter if there was a tradition. They had a way to learn from young. As opposed to Cosimo, whose father was a bona fide aristocrat and merchant. 

Then, Gabriele came back with a knowing smile, assured as though nothing changed for him. 

“You’re definitely more comfortable because you knew where you were going.” Cosimo looked at him. 

“I know, but it’s great to not know. It’s just expected for me to go into the navy. Their jaws would drop if I tell them something else. All the men in my family are sailors.” He put a pat on his back. “I’m sure you’re going to join me as a sailor.”

He looked forward to it.

Cosimo enjoyed talking with them. Restituta’s letters had ceased slightly. She was withdrawing. He had even attended the funeral of her brother. 

He had offered to help her if she needed. So far, she said little. In the meantime, he got closer to Gabriele. 

Cosimo wondered whether his father might have had a hand. But he was silent. There was talk about him going into infantry, cavalry or even into artillery. But there was an enchantment about the sea. 

He had gone out on a ship, with appreciation for it now. Also, for this, he would move towards Ganeo as he had to be on the sea most of the time. 

Then, the door opened. It was an instructor that he liked; he hoped that deep down, he could get what he wanted. 

He stood up, having worked for this all his life. 

“Congratulations, Cosimo, you have your wish. You’re now in the navy.” 

He broke out into a smile before he went back, though it was muted. They could celebrate, later, not now when they needed to compose themselves.

“He got what he wanted.” Gabriele gave a smile, folding his arms together. 

Guglielmo gave a nod. “Looks like we all got what he wanted.” 

Gabriele gave a nod. “I can’t imagine doing anything else since my family is there, and it’s hard to not go into it since I know so much. And Cosimo met them so often that he may as well be an honorary Barengo.”

All his uncles had met him, and knew him. And he always asked what he could. 

He looked at the letter, knowing that he was taking the first steps to a future that he wanted. 

He got out, seeing Zio Giuseppe, who stopped being Signor Silvestri a long while ago. 

“What did you get?” 

“I’m a sailor.” 

“I knew it when you were hanging around the Barengo family. We knew them for being sailors. I’m just happy that you got what you wanted.” 

He smiled, perhaps thankfully. 

“We should celebrate tonight. I can bring my family over. Guglielmo is going to meet his family.” 

“Sure, but first, I have a letter to write.” He wanted to tell his sisters, Restituta and his cousin, Federico