The Moonlight (On Hold)

VII

(Violet Juliet Blackwood)

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The summer break had finally arrived, signaling a time of freedom and endless possibilities. Leyla and I had become inseparable best friends, forging a bond that felt like it had been years in the making. Our connection was so strong that we decided to spend our entire summer together in the vibrant country of Italy.

With an eager anticipation that seemed to electrify the air, we dove into planning our Italian adventure. We meticulously researched the best places to visit, narrowing down the options and eventually settling on a bustling city filled with history, culture, and delicious cuisine. As the excitement mounted, we eagerly booked our flights and accommodations, confirming our travel plans just four days away.

Unable to contain our enthusiasm, Leyla and I decided to embark on the packing process ahead of schedule. We pulled out suitcases, laying them open on her bedroom floor, ready to be filled with essentials and treasured items that would accompany us on our memorable journey. The room buzzed with chatter and laughter as we folded clothes, debated which shoes to bring, and carefully selected toiletries.

"I can't believe we're actually going to Italy, Leyla!" I exclaimed, holding up a dress to show her.

Leyla's eyes sparkled with excitement as she replied, "I know, it's beyond my wildest dreams! Just think of all the pasta we'll eat and the incredible sights we'll see."

We continued packing, our voices intertwining in conversation as we excitedly discussed our plans for sightseeing and indulging in gelato. Each item we packed carried the promise of adventure and new experiences, fueling our enthusiasm even further.

"What other landmarks do you want to see, Leyla?" I asked, neatly folding a pair of jeans.

Leyla paused, her eyes shimmering with contemplation. "Definitely the Colosseum. I've seen it in movies and books, but experiencing it in person would be absolutely breathtaking."

I nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across my face. "I can already picture us walking through the ancient ruins, imagining the stories embedded in each stone."

Time seemed to slip away as we lost ourselves in conversation and the act of carefully folding and packing. We shared aspirations, dreams, and funny anecdotes, deepening our bond with every passing minute.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood, Leyla's house enveloped us with a familiar sense of comfort. We enjoyed a delicious meal, sharing stories and laughs with Leyla's family, who had become like a second family to me. The night wore on, and we decided to have a sleepover, making the most of our dwindling time together before our adventure began.

In Leyla's cozy bedroom, we arranged our sleeping bags, giggling like young children as we settled in for the night. The moonlight streamed through the curtains, casting enchanting shadows on the walls. We whispered excitedly about our dreams and aspirations, feeling the weight of our newfound friendship and the exciting journey ahead.

"You know," Leyla started, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and sentimentality, "I couldn't have asked for a better friend to experience this with. You mean the world to me."

Touched by her words, I teared up and replied, my voice filled with emotion, "Leyla, you're not just a friend. You're family to me, and I'm grateful every day for the connection we share."

The room fell into a comfortable silence, the moonlight casting a soft glow on our faces. In that moment, as we lay side by side, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only our dreams and the anticipation of the adventure that awaited us.

As sleep claimed us both, dreams of cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, and gelato danced through our minds. Our upcoming journey promised unforgettable adventures and the strengthening of a friendship that would stand the test of time. As the night deepened, our excited whispers faded into peaceful slumber, ready to embrace the wondrous Italian summer that awaited us.

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What do you think will happen next?

Kinda slow burn but trust me.

676 words