"Can you show me to the inn?" the man asked.
"I-I, go straight until you see the-the fish stall and turn right, you-you should find one." I stammered at his question.
"Grazie, Signorina." He smiled with gratitude. His figure disappeared into the crowd. I was about to calm my heart when I noticed that my heart wasn't hammering in my chest anymore.
Instead, it plummeted down into my stomach. I was wondering why when it hit me. I was suddenly aware of the man's accent. There's something familiar about it. And before he left, he said, 'Grazie, Signorina' it is Italian for — Its Italian, the man is Italian.
I couldn't breathe. I feel like I'm drowning. Echos of the past are playing in my ears.
The voice of my father speaking Italian every day. How he always told Mamá, and me that we were his 'Tesoro'.
How he called me 'Principessa' when he was happy. I kneeled down on the side of the road, feeling dizzy. I managed to keep my tears at bay and walked 'home'.
Mother Agatha and the girls were getting ready to go into town. I hastily changed from my day dress to a casual dress and boots. When we arrived, I accompany the girls while Mother Agatha relaxed in one of the Tea Houses. The rings in my pocket felt very heavy. I gave them to Teresa to sell them for some money.
We divided the money equally among us three. It was a pretty large sum, and yet I couldn't bring myself to buy anything.
I kept thinking about the man we stole from today. What if he was here just for a business trip? What if he needs the money for his family? What if he can't find a place to stay because we stole from him?
My mind was filled with endless questions about the man. Then the questions start turning; Where is my family now? Have they forgotten about me? How old is Oliver now? How have they been doing for the past five years? I felt sick.
I exited the shop and almost got hit by a stagecoach.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" The driver yelled. I muttered an apology and sat on the bench in front of the shop.
Teresa and Tasha came out from the shop with smiles on their faces. I felt mad at myself. Why can't I just be happy like the rest of them? Why must I torture myself with these foolish thoughts? Why? Because you don't fit in, you're not made to be a thief, because deep down you've always been a good person. A small voice inside me spoke up.
YOU ARE READING
ESCAPE
Adventure~ "Alana! Alana! Wake up, child, the village is on fire! We need to leave now!" Mamá shook me awake. We packed hurriedly and vacated the village. Pápa carried our baggage and Mamá cradled Oliver, my newborn brother. I gripped Mamá's hand tightly...
