Ben Monopoli

Mateo Was Here Ben Monopoli

Five years after the mysterious events of "The Painting of Porcupine City," Vinicius Bittencourt is stuck. Stuck in the shadow of his missing cousin Mateo. Stuck in a mystery that might never be solved. Stuck in a present that can't compete with his past. Each year he gives himself a new tattoo to mark the time gone by since his life made sense. In the fifth year, Vini's careful stasis breaks down. His girlfriend leaves him. His group of friends begins to drift apart. When he's had all he can take, heartbreaking news jars him in a new direction, out of his comfort zone, toward a chance at a reboot -- if he can seize it. Along the way a young friend with surprising ties to Mateo will reveal a shocking secret that might finally help Vini learn to move on.