il mio professore

Chapter 2 ~~✨

As I left the stuffy dinner party, the air outside felt like a breath of fresh freedom. I took a moment to breathe it in, letting the cool night air wash over me, and I pulled out my phone to check for messages. Nothing from Catalina, but I wasn't surprised. She was probably busy charming someone at the party, while I was stuck playing the role of the invisible daughter.

I walked back to our apartment, my mind racing about tomorrow. The thought of starting university in Italy was both exhilarating and terrifying. I had always dreamed of studying art, of immersing myself in the colours and creativity that made my heart race. But with my parents' expectations looming over me, it felt like I was constantly walking a tightrope.

When I got home, I found Pearl curled up in her little bed, her eyes brightening as I walked in. "Hey, girl," I whispered, dropping to my knees to pet her soft fur. She nuzzled against me, and for a moment, all my worries melted away. Pearl was my only constant in this chaotic life, the only one who seemed to understand me without judgment.

I grabbed my sketchbook from my desk and settled onto the floor beside her. I flipped through the pages filled with my drawings-colours spilling onto the page, scenes from my imagination brought to life. I often lost myself in this world, where I could create whatever I wanted without anyone telling me I was wasting my time.

But as I sketched, my mind drifted back to the dinner party. My parents' voices rang in my head, discussing business deals and social standings, while I sat there like a ghost. I felt the anger bubbling up inside me again. How could they not see me? How could they not support my dreams? I had spent so many years trying to make them proud, but the more I tried, the more suffocated I felt.

With a sigh, I put down my pencil and grabbed my phone again. I sent a quick message to Catalina: "Can't wait for tomorrow! I hope the classes are easy on us."

A few minutes later, my phone buzzed. "Same! We'll have so much fun. Can't wait to explore the city with you!"

As I read her message, a small smile crept onto my face. Catalina had a way of making everything feel lighter, and I was grateful for that. I needed her positivity, especially as I faced the daunting task of balancing my parents' expectations with my own dreams.

After a while, I decided it was time to get some sleep. I closed my sketchbook and turned off the light, but I couldn't shake the feeling of dread creeping in. What if I couldn't make it work in Italy? What if I was a disappointment to my parents?

But just as I was about to spiral into anxiety, Pearl jumped up beside me, laying her head on my lap and looking up at me with those big, soulful eyes. "You're right, girl," I whispered, scratching behind her ears. "I just need to be true to myself."

As I drifted off to sleep, I made a silent promise to myself: I would find a way to pursue my art, even if it meant standing up to my parents. I would make my own path, and maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to reconcile my passion for art with their expectations.

Tomorrow was a new beginning, and I was ready to embrace it. The morning sun spilled through my window, painting the room in soft yellows and warm oranges. I blinked awake, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about my first day at university. Pearl was already up, her tail wagging as she jumped onto my bed, urging me to start the day. I smiled and scratched her belly, grateful for her unwavering support.

After a quick shower and a hastily made breakfast-just a piece of toast and a cup of coffee-I grabbed my backpack and made sure to tuck my sketchbook inside. I couldn't forget that; it was my lifeline. I glanced in the mirror, taking a deep breath. Today was the day I would step into my new life, and I needed to feel confident. I put on my favorite oversized sweater and a pair of jeans, hoping they would give me a sense of comfort and security.