Beneath a Scarlet Sky

“If a bomb’s coming at you, it’s coming at you. You can’t go around worrying about it. Just go on doing what you love, and go on enjoying your life.” 

Uncle Albert tries to explain to Pino why he shouldn’t be angry with his father during the first night of the bombing. Pino had thought it was ridiculous that the Lellas continued to play music and party as people were dying in the streets of Milan.

“We must give thanks for this day and every day, no matter how flawed. Bow your heads, give your gratitude to God, and have faith in him, and in a better tomorrow.” 

While Pino has heard Father Re say these words hundreds of times before, they take on a new import, as Pino is grateful to be away from the bombing in Milan. At this point in his life, Pino is eager to look forward to a better tomorrow.

“The distance doesn’t matter. Just think about your next step.”

Pino is helping Luigi make it through their trek through the Alps and across the border to Switzerland to escape the Nazis. Pino means this literally, as they need to be careful as they hike, but the quote is also a metaphor for how to persevere through trying times.