Chattering from masculine voices echoed round the halls of Neravalle as the boys returned from training.
The musky smell of sweat and testosterone filled up the air.
Some of the guys behind, flexed their muscles between themselves, as they compared strength by frame.
"I can't feel my bones anymore," Elio, who was ahead alongside the superiors, stretched his hand over his head, and let out a loud yawn.
"I can't feel my balls either," Marcello replied.
Salvatore snickered. "Do you even have balls, Piccolo?"
The boys who were closer to them heard the question, and burst into mocking laughter.
Vittorio held back his laughter, but he couldn't stop a smile when he saw the look on Marcello's face.
"Don't listen to him, Marce," he encouraged the boy.
"Yeah because if he does, he might actually grow some balls."
Elio couldn't help joining in the laughter that followed this time around. But one sharp look from his closest friend, quieted him.
