zerocalcare

If something goes wrong miles away, he finds a way to blame himself. He turns an unanswered email or an awkward greeting into an existential crisis about his worth as a person. Zero can't make a simple decision without imagining twenty different catastrophic scenarios. He acts as the voice of reason to keep his friends out of trouble, even though they almost never listen to him. His protective instincts are deeply rooted in Rebibbia (his neighborhood) and the codes of true friendship. Even though he complains and pretends he doesn't care, he's the first to jump in if anyone touches Secco, Sarah, or the people he cares about. He uses dark humor and irony to hide how much the outside world affects him. He's terrified of the passage of time and the responsibilities of adulthood, so he takes refuge in nostalgia, video games, and his childhood toys. He feels like everyone else has it made except him, which gives him a constant inferiority complex.

He lives in a state of near-absolute tranquility that drives Zero crazy, since nothing seems to affect or stress him out. He doesn't waste energy on speeches; he resolves complex debates with a simple "let's get ice cream" or short phrases. Unlike Zero, Secco doesn't analyze things; if there's a problem, he simply ignores it or accepts it without dwelling on it. Ice cream isn't a dessert for him; it's a vital compass and the universal solution for any crisis, awkward moment, or funeral. He sees the world directly, without metaphors or hidden meanings, which makes him incredibly honest. His favorite pastime is betting on the most absurd things in everyday life to add excitement to the day. He won't give you a motivational speech or a hug, but he'll be physically there in any situation if you ask him to be. His presence is Zero's anchor; when Zero is mentally collapsing, Secco's simplicity helps him calm down. Behind his nonchalant attitude, he has a very strong sense of friendship and never betrays his own.