Italy, Autumn in September [English]

Chapter 5

Eritha woke up, her eyes slowly adjusting to the warm golden light filtering through the curtains of their hotel room. She glanced at Forest, her best friend, who was still sound asleep, her chest rising and falling gently.

As if sensing her thoughts, Forest stirred and opened her eyes, staring intently at Eritha. They exchanged glances in awkward silence, neither of them ready to break the uncomfortable silence that had been created between them.

Forest got up and walked towards the bathroom, getting ready and putting on some nice clothes. Eritha watched her silently, knowing where she was headed - to meet a man named Kei. She felt a surge of anger welling up inside her, knowing that Forest was always sneaking out to meet that man.

As Forest left the room, Eritha was left alone with her thoughts. She felt disappointed and upset by Forest's actions.

Eritha remembered Amic, the Italian man she had met two days ago. He had helped her through the chaotic streets of Rome when she was lost, and Eritha still owed him a favour. She decided to call him to ask if she could meet up.

Amic immediately answered the phone and said that he could meet Eritha in two hours.

Eritha hung up the phone and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up. She couldn't believe that she would be seeing Amic again.

While getting ready, Eritha couldn't help the feeling of excitement that churned in her stomach. She quickly changed into a simple yet elegant outfit, wanting to make a good impression on Amic. She applied a little make-up and brushed her short hair.

After making sure she looked presentable, Eritha grabbed her bag and walked towards the hotel exit.

The crisp, cool autumn air enveloped the streets of Rome as Eritha stepped out, her scarf wrapped tightly around her neck. The colours of autumn - warm hues of orange, red, and gold, painted the city in a stunning display of nature's artistry.

Eritha paused for a moment, taking in the serene beauty that surrounded her. The rustling of leaves and the distant chatter of locals created a soothing symphony. She could not help but feel a sense of calm wash over her, a feeling that had been elusive in recent days.

Eritha's thoughts drifted to her best friend, Forest, who had left the hotel that morning to meet Kei. She could not contain her irritation.

She took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind of the resentment that had built up inside her.

Wandering through the bustling streets of Rome, Eritha couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the city. The ancient architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant atmosphere all combined to create a magical atmosphere that she couldn't help but be mesmerised by.

Eritha's heart was beating fast as she waited anxiously in a charming little café in Rome, Italy. Colourful autumn leaves fell gently from the trees, creating a romantic atmosphere all around her. She sipped her espresso, trying to calm her nerves as she awaited Amic's arrival.

When Amic finally arrived, Eritha's heart skipped a beat. He looked even more handsome than she remembered, with his charming smile and Italian charm.

As they sat at a table overlooking the bustling streets of Rome, Eritha thanked Amic for helping her when she was lost.

They chatted over a delicious cup of Italian coffee, Eritha sharing her frustrations with Forest and how she had lied to her. Amic listened attentively, offering words of comfort and understanding. He encouraged her to face Forest and express her true feelings, rather than letting anger flare up inside her.

The crisp autumn air in Rome added a touch of magic to their conversation. The leaves were changing colour, creating a beautiful backdrop for their meeting. The sounds of street musicians filled the air, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Eritha felt a sense of freedom as she poured out her heart to Amic. She had harboured her anger towards Forest for far too long, and talking to Amic felt like a weight was lifted from her shoulders. His presence was calming and reassuring, making her feel heard and understood.

As the sun began to set, Amic suggested that Eritha go to the rooftop bar to watch the sun set over the city. Eritha agreed.

They walked to the top of the building, the cool autumn breeze ruffling their hair as they found a comfortable spot on the high bar stools.

The rooftop bar offered a stunning view of the city, with iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon visible in the distance. The city was bathed in the warm colours of the setting sun, creating a magical atmosphere that enchanted Eritha.

While sipping on an Aperol Spritz, Amic and Eritha engaged in an interesting conversation about their time in Rome. Amic, a native Roman, regaled Eritha with stories of the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Eritha, who was visiting Rome for the first time, was captivated by Amic's stories and marvelled at the beauty of the city that lay before them.

"I can't believe how beautiful Rome is," Eritha exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement. "It's like something out of a film."

Amic chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "That's the magic of Rome," he said. "It has a way of capturing your heart and never letting go."

Eritha and Amic sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying the beauty of the moment. The sky began to turn bright shades of pink and orange as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the city below. The city lights of Rome began to twinkle in the enveloping darkness, creating a breathtaking sight that Eritha would never forget.

They chatted for hours, sharing stories and laughter as they enjoyed each other's company. The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the ancient city, adding to the magic of the moment.

Night had fallen, Amic took Eritha for a stroll through the cobbled streets of Rome. The night air was cool and crisp around them. Eritha felt at peace with Amic by her side.

As they arrived at the famous Trevi Fountain, Amic turned to Eritha with a sincere expression. "I'm glad I could help you that day, Eritha," he said softly.

Eritha looked at him gratefully, her eyes filled with appreciation. "Thank you, Amic. I don't know what I would have done without your help," she replied.

Just at that moment, a voice interrupted their conversation. "Amic, is that you?" A man speaking in Italian approached them, his face beaming as he recognised one of them. It was Diego, Amic's friend who happened to be in the area.

Amic grinned and introduced Diego to Eritha. Diego was a jovial and humorous man, known for his outgoing personality and love of jokes. He cracked jokes and made funny faces to break the ice.

Eritha couldn't help but laugh at Diego's behaviour, she found his jovial demeanour infectious.

Diego told her stories of his adventures and misadventures. He spoke with passion, his hands moving wildly as he painted vivid pictures with his words.

However, as the evening wore on, Diego excused himself, saying he had some urgent business to attend to. Eritha and Amic were left alone once more, the atmosphere between them filled with renewed energy.

Amic took a deep breath, breaking the silence, "So, Eritha, what are your plans for the rest of your time in Italy?" asked Amic, his gaze focused on Eritha.

Eritha hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. "To be honest, I'm not sure," she admitted. "I came here because of my best friend, Forest, and also..." Her voice trailed off, a hint of sadness showing on her face.

She was silent for a few seconds before continuing, "Well, like I said yesterday. But, you know what happened, right?"

Amic nodded thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering. "I understand that feeling," he said softly. "Sometimes, we need to lose ourselves to find what really matters to us."

Eritha felt a warmth wash over her as she looked into Amic's eyes.

***

To be continued...
Thanks for reading!

Thanks to Firsty R Ningtyas, my special friend for always supporting me.

And thanks to late Sela Anjany, I'm missing you.