the_man_in_the_villa tender_square he's distinguished like a middle-aged professor. bearded with gracious flecks of silver wisdom. his eyes have spent countless hours pouring over books and witnessing the birth of words from a place beyond and within, ringed with age and squinting. he is adamant about moving elsewhere, convinced that there are no vacancies that will fulfill his need to live in peace and solitude. i concede this may be true but ask him to consider my place. he is noncommittal. i unlock the door and warm light spills across terra cotta floors. the overstuffed furniture is well-worn, soft, and unassuming. he walks through the entrance taking in the space as i open the shutters. he is quiet and considering. he enters the kitchen and is struck by the myriad of small coloured tiles in a tidy border around the sink. the whole apartment is a slice of a paradisaical mediterranean life in such an unexpected place. "i'll take it," he tells me. i'm pleased he plans to stay. 230503 what's it to you? who go blather from