The Lethal Keepsake

Last day in Rome

Margaret was quite astonished at her reply and looked at her confusingly.

Minerva continued, "She wasn't lying. Maybe she believed in the myth. But that doesn't mean that is true."

"Whatever! As long as you are okay, that's all that matters.".

Just as they were done talking, Martin emerged from the bustling crowd, a triumphant smile on his face, as he navigated his way through the sea of people. On each hand, he expertly balanced a tempting array of culinary delights - three Trappizinos and a handful of Supplis.

Seeing him struggling with the food platters, Minerva instinctively sprinted towards him.

"Here! Let me give you a hand," she said, her voice cutting through the ambient noise as she gently took the Trappizinos from his grasp. Martin, visibly relieved, eased a bit.

"Thank you!"

Together, they navigated towards Margaret, who graciously made room for the incoming feast and Martin. Their seamless coordination reflected not only their perfect understanding as a team but also an unspoken bond that made them almost always in sync.

Amidst lively chatter, they savored the delicacies for a good long time. Discussing their perspectives on various structures visited over the past three days, they shared their experiences with enthusiasm.

Martin glanced at his watch and realized it was quite late.

"Guys, we should probably get going, we have a flight to catch tomorrow."

Minerva and Margaret agreed and they headed to the motel together.

After a while, they arrived at the motel and stepped into the lift. The soft music in the elevator carried them upward and with a gentle ding, they reached the 4th floor. As the doors slid open, they stepped into the well-lit hallway.

"Goodnight Guys!!", they said in unison.

They exchanged pleasant smiles and parted ways, each heading to their respective rooms.

Exhausted but content Minerva entered her motel room after a tiring day. The door clicked shut behind her, and the room adorned with soft lighting welcomed her into its embrace. She set down her shopping bags and cracked her neck due to tiredness. The bed, neatly made with crisp linens, beckoned her to surrender to its inviting embrace. The air was infused with a faint scent of lavender, creating a soothing scent.

She peeled off her shoes at the door and entered the cozy room, illuminated by the soft glow of strategically placed lamps, which brightened as she flipped the switch. She picked up the shopping bags and placed them on the small writing desk that sits by the window, adorned with a vase of fresh flowers.

She was so tired that she didn't bother to change into her pajamas and collapsed onto her bed. She turned off the lights and quickly fell asleep.

The morning sun illuminated the room, casting a golden glow on the beige walls. Her long eyelashes fluttered delicately as sunlight caressed her eyes. She woke up rubbing her eyes softly. Within an hour, she arranged her belongings for the journey. She dressed in a white shirt paired with a denim coat and blue jeans.

She grabbed her phone and dialed Margaret's number. After a few rings, Margaret answered the call.

"Hello...", she answered in a sleepy voice.

"Are you still asleep?"

With a low and hoarse voice, she answered, "It is still early. Our flight is only at noon."

Minerva sighed,

"You are right, but I thought we could go for breakfast, all three of us."

"I am sorry. I am too sleepy. I stayed up late editing some of the pictures for the report. I might not have much time when we get back. You check with Martin."

"Okay"

Minerva hung up the call and called Martin, only to get a similar response. In the end, she chose to order pasta to her room.

After done with breakfast, she started to look at some paperwork required for this business trip.

It was their habit, that Martin took care of the filming and equipment, Margaret took care of the photography and reports, Minerva took care of the research for the place, the project proposal, and all the paperwork required for travel and accommodation, editing of the videos was done by Martin and Margaret together.

Once the paperwork was completed, Minerva found herself with some well-deserved free time. She placed her laptop back in her bag and strolled toward the window, taking in the lively scene on the weekend street below. The shops buzzed with activity as customers, gathered with families and friends to explore the nearby attractions. The vibrant atmosphere outside offered a refreshing contrast to the focused work indoors.

The paper bag with the mirror peeked at her from the table beside the window. She took it out and unwrapped it. Delicately lifting the mirror in her hands, its polished surface caught the ambient light. Her gaze lingered, captivated by the mirror's subtle golden reflection, an indication of its age.

Gracefully shifting the mirror at different angles, she admired her reflection with the poise of noblewomen in movies, playfully altering her facial expressions.

After fiddling with her mirror for a while, she grew a little hungry and decided to grab another bite. The portion of pasta she had earlier was insufficient. Initially, she reached for her mobile to call her teammates, but then hesitated, concerned that she might disturb their sleep. Just as she was about to consider calling room service, the doorbell rang.

She was curious, wondering who could be visiting at this hour. As she opened the door, she was surprised to find two hotel staff members on the other side, one holding a tray covered with enticing dishes and the other dressed in a neat black suit with a golden name badge. The appearance of the room service before she even made the call left her both surprised and shocked.

"I think you are at the wrong door. I haven't ordered anything yet.", she replied suspecting they were at the wrong door.

"Good morning ma'am! Allow me to introduce myself. I am the manager of this hotel.", said the man in the black suit. He continued, "A couple staying in the same hotel is celebrating their 25th anniversary and wanted to share the happiness through food with everyone staying here. This is from them", he pointed to the food tray.

Hearing this a subtle happiness surged through her heart.

"Please convey my heartfelt congratulations to the couple" she replied warmly and received the tray of food from the staff member.

"Thank you, ma'am. Have a wonderful stay," he said, offering a polite nod before making his way down the hallway.

After he bid her farewell, she closed the door as they left and returned to her bed to savor the thoughtful meal, feeling a sense of gratitude and luck for the unexpected gesture.

She spent the rest of the time watching a web series. A few hours later, Margaret and Martin were prepared, and the trio set off for their flight back to B City.