Vitalba, Tuscany. Stone streets and sunlight hitting the vineyards.
Vitório, 14, lives here.
Adopted by Dona Maria. A notebook full of work, top grades, a mind that never stops.
Everyone says, "That boy is very intelligent."
But Vitório has two secrets.
The first: he goes to school barefoot.
Even in winter. Even while his classmates wear expensive sneakers.
"Shoes cramp my ideas," he says with a laugh. But deep down, he dies of embarrassment when people stare.
The second: he bathes fully clothed.
He waits for Dona Maria to fall asleep, sneaks into the bathroom, and turns on the shower while wearing his shirt and trousers.
It’s his way of washing away the weariness and the pressure of "being the best in the class." Afterward, he hangs the wet clothes out to dry.
Vitório wants to be different. He wants to be free.
But he is afraid. Afraid of what people will say in the town square. Afraid of disappointing Dona Maria. Afraid of being called crazy.
So he studies, gets perfect marks, and walks home barefoot.
Keeping his clothed baths all to himself.
In Vitalba, there are boys who wear suits just to fit in.
And then there’s Vitório. Who prefers his feet on the ground, even while fearing the world.
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