The human monster left Capelli's office after defrauding him.
Before handing over the money, Capelli had demanded some form of guarantee. He asked the human monster for his phone, but the monster refused and instead handed him a forged check.
It was the first time a stranger had come to Capelli asking for such a large sum of money. He wasn't familiar with the proper guarantees of financial transactions. Capelli tucked the paper into his pocket without even looking at it. Deep inside, he felt an uneasy sensation—like a warning—that his "key" to happiness was slipping away along with the money he had spent years saving to make his family's dream come true: buying a new house in the city. Now, that dream might remain nothing more than a fantasy.
When Capelli arrived home, he called to his wife, Sula:
"Rejoice! I've found the amount we need to buy the new house in the city. An investor came to me with a problem, and I helped him with all the money I had saved. He promised that within a week, he would return my money and even lend me a large sum in addition. He gave me guarantees. Here—take this document and check its authenticity."
Sula took the paper, read it carefully, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"My dear… he took your money. How foolish you are! This document is forged. You've been tricked by a human monster."
Capelli refused to believe her. He shouted:
"No! He told me he was a good and loyal man. He even said, 'Ask about my family in the village.' He has a young daughter who studies in the neighborhood school. Look—here's the message he sent me: Make sure your money is returned to you on time."
Sula sat down, her face pale with grief. She cried softly:
"Oh, Capelli… they've taken your key. Your key is gone. You have two young sons, and winter is coming. You haven't bought them winter clothes—or even food. Will what we have left be enough… or not?"
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