The story

Giulio points to the little tasting bottle. ‘When we prepare your sample, its label will help you learn about the oil and its producer. Behind a drop are olive trees and people's work.’

‘So it is not only a fairy tale?’ asks Sami.

‘Our visit is told through imaginary characters,’ Giulio replies. ‘But the farm and its work are real. The books help us understand them. The pictures of the future show what we hope to build.’

Tila puts the two books beside the notebook. ‘You can read them with your parents and share your discoveries.’

‘Who will build the future?’ asks Ada.

‘The people who work on the project,’ says Giulio. ‘And anyone who wants to contribute with A.D.O.S. INTERNATIONAL. Grown-ups can give time, bring ideas, help with their skills and support the work.’

‘What about us children?’

‘You can take part with your parents. You can look at a plant, draw a little square and ask a question. We adults must listen to you and take responsibility for the decisions.’

Rumo leaves a page blank. ‘The next step can begin here too.’

After the meal, Rumo looks at the table. He remembers the gate, the keys and the time when he mostly thought about his own things. Then he thinks of the world they imagined together, with water, care and places to meet. The stories have taught him to ask before choosing for others. ‘What would you like to tell people about this journey?’ he asks. Ada chooses the flowers, Leo the turning machine and Sami the hidden roots. Tila also listens to anyone who would rather just point at a picture. Rumo puts the map in the middle.

This does not prove that the whole world has changed. It is a shared story and a new way of looking at a drop.