Walking back to St. Mark’s square, I discreetly looked at my new companion. He was taller than me, and had broad shoulders. The mask he was wearing was a plague doctor’s mask, the one with a pointy nose. And it was beautifully made. It seemed to be made in black leather, delicately worked, and the proportions of the mask have been worked carefully too. More than the ridiculous appearance I had thought that this masks gave people, his gave him an elegant and stylish look. The man was also wearing a small black broad-brimmed hat that covered his hair, and an elegant black jacket. If you saw him in the light, the appearance was that of a mysterious and elegant man. But in the dark as I have seen him first, he could be quite a scary image.

“Do you like the mask?” He said suddenly, and I noticed I have been staring at him for way too long.

“Ah- yes, I think it is the prettiest plague doctor’s mask I have seen.” I answered truthfully. He seemed surprised.

“So you know that this is a different kind of mask?”

I smiled at his question.

“I have wanted to come to this carnival for a long time, so I knew some things already.”

“It is your first time in Venice?” He seemed thoughtful.

“It is.”

“Then” he continued, and I could feel the excitement in his voice again”, I will help you build beautiful memories, starting from this party.”

He stopped and showed me the place, and I recognized St. Mark’s square again. There was the scenario, the music, masks and costumes everywhere, the magic. And for a moment I felt excited again.

“Do you see the jugglers on the side? If you give them a euro, they will let you try.” My companion said, pointing to the side.

I wanted to try, but I would probably suck at that.

“I... I don’t want to.” I lied.

“You don’t? Or are you scared that you are not good enough?”

How could he read through me so easily?

“I haven’t done it before, I don’t think I will be able to juggle.” I admitted.

“So?” He said, and I could feel the smile in his voice.

“I just don’t want to fail in front of all this people.”

“Oh, querida, don’t you know about why people started wearing masks for this festivity, a long time ago?” He looked at me, and I could see his intense eyes through his mask. “It was, of course, so no one would recognize them. Nobles would wear a mask so they could go and have fun without worrying about class or reputation, and common people would wear it so they could laugh about the nobles without retaliation. I told you before that this is an event for freedom and happiness, didn’t I?” He was so close that I could see his smile under the big nose of his mask. “It is part of the tradition. You are free today to do whatever you want, all the things your heart desires. And tomorrow no one is going to recognize you, as they will only remember your mask. And if something happens, you can always change your mask and be a completely different person tomorrow.”

He spoke beautifully and his words, together with those intense eyes, filled me with determination.

“You are right! No one knows me. I can do everything my heart desires.”

He nodded happily.

“Then come with me, and let’s enjoy this magical night together.” He offered me his hand, and I took it.