The Moonlight (On Hold)

VIII

(Violet Juliet Blackwood)

Cataleyla and I woke up to the gentle rays of the morning sun peeking through the curtains, casting a warm glow over our bedroom. As our sleepy eyes fluttered open, we quickly realized this was no ordinary day - it was the day we had been eagerly anticipating for months, the day we were finally setting off on our grand Italian adventure.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," I greeted Cataleyla with a grin.

She rubbed her eyes and yawned, a mix of excitement and anticipation lighting up her face. "Good morning, partner in crime. I can't believe this day is finally here."

We wasted no time in springing out of bed, fueled by a contagious energy that seemed to dance in the air. With our minds still buzzing with the bustling itinerary we had planned, we hurriedly freshened up and made our way downstairs, following the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee that wafted through the air.

As we descended the staircase, the aroma grew stronger, mingling harmoniously with the tempting fragrance of warm croissants and freshly cut fruit. Our mother, who knew how significant this day was to us, had prepared a breakfast fit for the start of an extraordinary journey.

With beaming smiles, we settled around the kitchen table, the excitement bubbling within us almost palpable. Cups of steaming coffee were poured, delicate rays of sunlight illuminated the room, and our parents joined us, sharing in our enthusiasm.

Cataleyla's eyes sparkled as she sipped her coffee. "This Italian adventure is going to be epic. I can already taste the gelato and hear the bustling streets of Rome."

Our father chuckled, a twinkle of pride evident in his eyes. "I have no doubt that you both will immerse yourselves fully in the wonders of Italy."

We savored each mouthful of breakfast, lingering over the flavors as we traded stories of our favorite memories growing up. The room was filled with laughter and joy, the harmony of our voices blending to create a beautiful tapestry of anticipation and nostalgia.

As our plates were cleared and the final sips of coffee were taken, it was time to prepare for our journey. We gathered our bags, ensuring that each item we packed represented our excitement, curiosity, and thirst for adventure.

Father stood by the car, ready to take us to the airport. His face displayed a mixture of joy and subtle sadness at our imminent departure. The car ride was filled with moments of both reflection and excitement, the hum of the engine serving as the soundtrack to our anticipation.

As we pulled up to the bustling airport, Father parked the car and turned to us with a tender smile. "My brave daughters, the world is waiting for you out there. Go and make memories that will last a lifetime."

We hugged him tightly, feeling a mixture of gratitude and the bittersweet realization that our time together was coming to a temporary pause. With promises to stay safe and to bring back countless stories to share, we waved goodbye to our father and marched through the sliding doors, embarking on this grand adventure hand in hand.

Inside the airport, we navigated the bustling crowd, our hearts swelling with excitement and a hint of nervousness as we approached the check-in counter. The attendant greeted us with a warm smile, engaging in friendly conversation as she checked our passports and tagged our bags.

Amidst the chatter of fellow travelers and the sounds of rolling suitcases, we made our way through security. The metal detectors beeped as we obediently removed our belts and shoes, sharing laughter at the awkwardness of it all. Once cleared, we felt a sense of relief, knowing we were one step closer to our destination.