Episode 3 of Season 4 of "My Brilliant Friend" kicks off with a poignant scene of Elena revisiting her mother's abode in the familiar streets of her childhood neighborhood, her daughters Dede and Elsa in tow. The visit unfolds with a bombshell revelation: Elena's sister is expecting a child out of wedlock, a truth her mother finds as unacceptable as her disdain for Elena's separation from Pietro and her decision to cohabit with Nino.
Returning sans her daughters to the same neighborhood, Elena's path crosses with Lila, who has come to visit Immacolata. Lila passionately urges Elena to reclaim her roots, sensing a growing disconnect within her friend. Their conversation is intertwined with Lila's relentless comparison of their lives, as Immacolata showers praise on Lila's flourishing enterprise.
Back at their home, Nino secures an invitation to New York, and Elena, seized by curiosity, decides to accompany him. Unbeknownst to many, one of Elena's manuscripts has already found its way into the hands of a niche New York publisher. Taking Nino's cue, Elena entrusts Lila with the care of her daughters during her absence. Lila, in turn, declares that Elena's girls hold a dearer place in her heart than her own son.
Upon their return from the bustling city of New York, Elena discovers she is with child, a secret she harbors alone. With gifts in hand, she visits Dede and Elsa at Lila's abode. During this heartwarming visit, Lila drops her own bombshell: she too is expecting. Elena, feeling a bond of shared joy, confides in Lila about her pregnancy.
Lila plays a pivotal role in breaking the news to Dede and Elsa, turning this unconventional twist in their family narrative into an adventure filled with excitement for the young girls. Her influence is palpable, weaving a tapestry of understanding and wonder amidst their unconventional family dynamics.
Later on, we come to know that Pietro has unveiled a fresh tome, which has garnered immense acclaim. Elena confides in Nino about her impending motherhood, and though his joy is palpable, she harbors doubts about his commitment to acknowledging their child, considering his existing marital bonds. While strolling outdoors, Elena unexpectedly encounters Nino and his family. She delicately weaves her pregnancy into their conversation, subtly alerting his wife to the truth. This subtle revelation sparks a heated exchange between Elena and Nino, yet amidst the fray, he extends an invitation to her, beckoning her to his parents' abode—a gesture that underscores her supremacy in his heart over his wedded wife.
Elena lends a supportive hand to her sister Elisa, who is grappling with the demands of a newborn. Amidst the chaos, news of a devastating train accident strikes, and Immacolata's health takes a turn for the worse. Elena rushes her to the hospital, where they receive the grim diagnosis of a lung ailment.
On their way back, Immacolata whispers wisdom to Elena, "I understand the art of enduring pain. I mastered it at ten, and it has been my constant companion ever since. When one learns to bear it, the angel of death pays respect and eventually retreats." The episode concludes on a poignant note, with Elena's eyes welling up with sorrow, her tears a testament to the heavy burdens she carries.
