Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

Grazie, Milan (Chapter 41)

It was her last full day in Italy. Thinking long into the night, she promised herself, and ultimately to Piero, that she would deal with her demons. No man deserved to be cheated out of being loved, and unless she wanted to remain single forever, which she didn't want, there would be no more trying to do it by herself. She needed professional help.

Feeling somewhat subdued, she needed some joy today. Told last night about the rooftop patio, Marlow quietly got dressed and, leaving Audrey to sleep, she walked the four flights up to the roof of their hotel. Stepping out into a glorious Milan morning, she smiled at the others who were already enjoying their coffee.

"Buongiorno," she said to those who looked up at her. Finding an unoccupied corner of the patio, tipping her face to the heavens, she listened to the familiar song of the birds warbling only to her. She had fallen in love with this country, its people, its heritage, and its beauty.

Standing on her tiptoes and peering over the edge, cobbled sidewalks lined with planters full of colourful flowers trailed off behind other buildings to what Marlow now knew would be quaint cafés, flower shops, and maybe an outdoor market. As the sun warmed her soul, she breathed in the cool air and exhaled, happy memories sneaking back in. This was precisely what she needed. Certain that in time, she would remember this trip with all the good it had given her, Marlow said a private goodbye to Milan and headed back to her room.

"I was about to text and find out where you were," Audrey said, tossing her phone onto the bed.

"I was on the rooftop patio enjoying the sunrise."

"Well, the day is getting away from us, and I have so much planned, so leave your purse here and throw your wallet and phone in your backpack and let's go."

"Where are we going first?"

"Can't tell you. It's a surprise."

Rolling her eyes, Marlow sighed. What was it about people in Italy always making everything a surprise?"

Familiar with the city, Audrey left the more tourist spots already laded with lineups and drove to the more out-of-the-way places that still offered similar shopping experiences, museums, and other fabulous sites. Recognizing the youthful, vibrant feel of the 2,500-year-old city, Marlow now understood why Milan was spoken of so highly around the world.

Stopping along the canals, Milan's own tease of Vienna, Audrey parked the car.

"I thought we could rent some bicycles and ride along the Naviglio Grande. It goes for about 30 km, but we won't go that far.

"Love it," Marlow said, beaming with excitement.

Making multiple pitstops for picture taking and checking out quaint, 'old Milan 'shops, Audrey and Marlow did more tasting their way past several gelato shops, pastry shops, and bakeries, than actual riding. Meeting up with Audrey's friends for lively conversation and shared evening appetizers, Marlow was satisfied that nothing could make this day any better.

"If you're up for it," Audrey said, "I have one last surprise for you."

"Uh...okay?" Marlow said cautiously. She was exhausted, and if Audrey had wanted to go out dancing or clubbing, she wasn't really in the mood for that.

"Have you ever been to an outdoor pop-up cinema on the rooftop of a building before?" Audrey asked.

"No, I haven't," Marlow responded.

"Do it, do it," Audrey's friends all said at the same time. "You've got to do it."

"Uhm..."

"You can say no," Audrey said, though her eyes showed the excitement she was feeling inside.