Shadow of the mafia

~~𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 01 ~~

The morning light beamed through the windows gap as a light entered the room along with morning breeze made way in my room giving a fresh coolness.

I opened my eyes stretching my body in the sheets. 'Another day to procrastinate', I sighed not feeling to wake up and do nothing. These summer holidays surely put up me in a lazy era. After these summer holidays my final year will begin and my motto is to rock that year. To do everything that I can, after all college years will not come again.

I pushed aside my duvet feeling a sense of the coldness my room had. I turned off the AC and opened the windows. 'Did it rain last night?'. The streets were wet from a heavy rain, Oh how much I love the smell of the soil after rain.

I lazily made my way to the bathroom to wake myself up by washing my face with cold shower. Now I feel the most awake. I looked back at the reflection shown in the mirror, messy hair, dark circles, the pimple spots on some part of my face. I have always been an insecure person about my face, that maybe I am not beautiful enough or not smart enough, always trying to fit in. I love calling myself an introvert but sometimes I hate being the type of person I am.

Well anyways,I don't have the whole day to look myself in the mirror or I won't be able to anything. After a hot steamy shower I changed into a medium skirt and a crop top followed by my comfy sneakers. I left my hair down and grabbed my phone as I walked downstairs almost tripping down.

As I sat at the kitchen counter, cradling my cappuccino, the warm Italian sun danced across my face, casting a golden glow. The aroma of freshly baked cornetti wafted from the stove, mingling with the rich scent of espresso. My gaze drifted to my mom, Lucia, as she joined me, her smile radiant.

"Buongiorno, amore!" she said, her voice like music, as she kissed my cheek.

I smiled, feeling the gentle touch. "Buongiorno, Mamma."

Lucia's eyes sparkled like the morning dew as she settled beside me. "What's the plan for today, Giulia?"

I took a sip of my cappuccino, savoring the creamy texture. "Dance class this morning, then meeting Francesca at the gelateria."

Lucia's face lit up, her eyes shining like the Tuscan sun. "Wonderful! You deserve a fun summer. How's your dance progressing?"

I beamed with pride, my heart swelling. "I'm improving, Mamma. Thanks for encouraging me."

As we chatted, Signora Rossi expertly prepared breakfast, her hands moving with the precision of a Italian nonna. The sizzle of prosciutto and eggs filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

Mamma's expression turned thoughtful, her brow furrowing slightly. "Any college plans? Have you given it more thought?"

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "Yes, Mamma. I'm considering fashion design. Milan or Florence, maybe."

Lucia's eyes shone with pride, her smile warm. "That's wonderful, Giulia! You'll excel."

As we talked, I noticed the way the morning light highlighted the fine lines around Lucia's eyes, etched from years of love and laughter. Her hair, a rich chestnut brown, fell in soft waves down her back.

"Have you talked to your brother, Alessandro, lately?" Mom asked, her tone casual, but a hint of tension creeping into her voice.

I frowned, concern creeping in like a summer storm. "No... he's still away, right?"

Mamma's expression turned evasive, her eyes darting away like a bird taking flight. "Yes, busy with work. And your father, Giovanni, has a meeting in Rome."

I sensed a hint of unease, like a whispered secret, but our strong bond assured me she'd share more when ready.

"Everything okay, Mamma?" I asked, my voice gentle, like a summer breeze.