Young Italy sat on the couch next to Grandpa Rome.
Italy had a sketch book in hand and a freshly sharpened pencil drawing everything that he could think of.
Grandpa Rome loudly admired every picture the child developed.
"So talented! So creative!" Grandpa Rome grinned.
"Thank you!" Italy's eyes seemed to disappear as a huge smile appeared on his face.
Romano sat on the ground with his arms folded glaring up at the two of them.
It was sickening; Grandpa Rome was so obsessed with North Italy.
"H-hey….Grandpa! I can draw too!" Romano said loudly.
"Oh really, Romano? Come here then sweetie. Draw Grandpa a pretty picture!" Grandpa Rome smiled with open arms.
Romano hesitated for a moment because he knew he actually couldn't draw.
He climbed up onto the couch an Italy handed him the book and pencil.
Romano fell silent staring at a blank page.
Italy always was telling Romano when he saw a clean new page in a sketch book he got butterflies and was filled with excitement.
Romano was failing to feel this.
He touched the paper lightly with the paper.
The pencil moved quickly creating harsh lines and leaving deep dents in the perfect paper.
Grandpa Roma smiled nervously. "You did a great job, Romano….Excellent!"
"Liar!" Romano screamed. "You don't love me like you love Italy!"
Romano threw the book at Italy and stomped out of the room slamming the door behind him.
Italy and Grandpa Rome sat in dumbstruck silence for a moment.
"Grandpa Rome….Is that true?" Italy asked sadly.
"I love you equally." Grandpa Rome said still staring at the door.
"Tell Romano." Italy whispered for once in his life he was completely serious about something.
Grandpa Rome stood up and began walking to young Romano's room.
"Romano?" He said cracking the door a bit.
"What?!" Romano shouted.
"It's me..Grandpa Rome." Grandpa Rome whispered.
He walked over to Romano's bed and sat down.
Romano was sitting on the edge next to him with his head in this hands.
Grandpa Rome hugged Romano.
"You are wonderful and I love you." Grandpa Rome said.
"I can't draw and I'm not nearly as cute as North!" Romano whimpered.
"Oh but you have other talents! Other fabulous talents!" Grandpa Rome whispered smiling sadly.
Romano looked up, his face red from crying. "R-really?"
"Oh yes! You're just as wonderful as North Italy! You both have amazing beautiful history and culture! Don't forget it!" Grandpa Rome grinned.