Set in the small, secluded Southern Italy town of Acqua Traverse in the scorching summer of 1978, Niccolo Ammaniti's novel "I'm Not Scared," tells the tale of a nine year old boy's struggle against moral principles and fight against evil. Readers may believe that real friendship and loyalty do not exist in the novel after several incidents involving betrayal and broken friendships are encountered. However, it is Michele, who proves this wrong because of his concern and loyalty to others. After finding Filippo in a hole dehumanised and traumatised, Michele builds a strong friendship with him and stays loyal to him until the end. Even though Michele knows of Papa's wrong doings he is still very obedient which shows loyalty. As well as being a big brother to Maria proves that real friendships and loyalty exist in "I'm Not Scared." Friendship and loyalty are shown to exist in "I'm Not Scared," when Michele befriends Filippo and the fact he can't leave him alone. The fact that Filippo refers to Michele as the Guardian Angel shows how much of strong and sincere bond they have between each other. "The angel always tells the truth. You're the guardian angel" (pg.75). But Michele's loyalty comes to the test soon after, when forced to promise on Papa's head, saying that he will never visit the hole again. "What was I going to do now? I promised him I would go and see him again, but I couldn't, I had sworn to Papa that I wouldn't go." Michele's responsibility as a friend is shown as he keeps going back to aid the latter with food, water and not leave him alone. "He drank I drank too  (pg.112). After promising Papa that he would not visit Filippo again, Michele was in two minds because he also promised Filippo that he would be back to help him. Because of his principles Michele breaks his promise and disobeys Papa in order to free Filippo. So it is what Michael does for Filippo that proves that real friendship and loyalty is a vital part "I'm