Italy, Autumn in September [English]

Chapter 1

The steps of a pretty girl with shoulder-length hair stopped in front of a minimalist cafe with a soft aesthetic touch. The girl read the large sign on the flat roof, Luna Cafe.

She stepped inside, hoping to find someone she had an appointment with.

Tring!

The bell rang as she opened the door. Scanning the room for someone she recognised. Her eyes fell on Forest Ramli, her best friend, who was sitting in the corner of one side of the cafe section, busy with her mobile phone.

The interior of the minimalist café is bright, with shiny walls and bright lights. Gold-accented furniture added a touch of glamour to the modern decor.

"Hi Forest, sorry I'm a bit late," the girl said as she pulled out a chair and sat opposite her.

The girl who was called Forest turned her head to find the owner of the familiar voice.

"Eritha! You finally came. I'm tired of waiting for you, you know," whined Forest like a child.

Yes, she was Eritha Alexandra. A 25-year-old girl, her short black-brown hair flowing beautifully.

"Sorry, sorry, I had a little trouble earlier," Eritha apologised.

They ordered, and Forest insisted on taking photos of their food and drinks before they could eat them.

When Eritha wanted to take the salad plate, Forest stopped her. "Woy, wait, wait, don't eat it first. Take a picture first, boss," she said.

Eritha looked at her best friend, taking picture after picture of the food in front of her. She didn't understand why she was so obsessed with taking pictures of her food instead of enjoying it.

"Not yet?" she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"One more, one more," Forest replied, still without taking her eyes off her camera.

Eritha rolled her eyes, "If this keeps up, when are we going to eat? Just taking pictures," she sneered.

Forest finally finished her shoot and browsed the gallery to admire her work.

"So, why do you want to meet?" asked Eritha curiously while sipping her strawberry juice.

Forest stopped looking through her mobile phone gallery and sat down to seriously look at Eritha. She placed her mobile phone on the table.

"How about we make a vlog in Italy?" asked Forest.

Eritha's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Italy? But, Forest, you know how strict my dad is, right? I don't think he would ever let me go, let alone to another country," she said, her brow furrowed with worry.

Forest waved a hand in dismissal. "Ah, don't worry about that. We'll find a way out. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Eritha. Just think about it - we can explore the streets of Rome, savour the best Italian dishes, and capture it all on camera for my vlog. It'll be an adventure!"

Eritha bit her lower lip, her mind racing with possibilities and possible consequences. On the one hand, the idea of travelling to Italy with her best friend was tempting. She had always dreamed of seeing historical places and experiencing the vibrant culture. But on the other hand, her father's strict rules and expectations weighed heavily on her.

"I don't know, Forest. My dad is very firm in his stance. I don't think he would ever let me go, let alone with you," Eritha said, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Forest reached across the table and placed her hand on top of Eritha's, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know it's a big risk, Eritha, but think about it. This could be your chance to be free, even if only for a moment. You deserve to live your own life, explore the world and discover who you really are.

Eritha felt a wave of conflicting emotions. On the one hand, the idea of defying her father's wishes and embarking on an adventure with her best friend was exciting. But on the other hand, the fear of the consequences weighed heavily on her mind.

When they finished eating, Eritha's thoughts remained on Forest's proposal. The desire to explore Italy, to experience the freedom she craved, was undeniably tempting. But the shadow of her father's disapproval haunted her like a dark cloud.

Saying goodbye to Forest, Eritha walked home, her mind in turmoil. She knew that the decision she faced would not be easy, but deep down, she felt a stirring of rebellion, a desire to take control of her own life and tread her own path.

***

When Eritha arrived home, her father immediately brought up the topic of an arranged marriage with a man she didn't even know.

Eritha felt a surge of anger and frustration. "Dad, I don't want to marry someone I don't even know. Why can't you understand that I want to live my own life, explore the world, and find myself?" she argued, her voice trembling with emotion.

The expression on her father's face hardened, and Eritha knew that she was treading on dangerous ground. "Eritha, this cannot be discussed. You will do as I say."

While running to her room, she remembered Forest's invitation to go to Italy. And she decided to defy her father's wishes.

Eritha reached into her pocket and took out her mobile phone, quickly scrolling through her contacts until she found Forest's name and pressed it.

"Hello?" Forest answered.

Eritha's crying voice could be heard.

"Eritha, what's wrong? Are you crying?" her voice was filled with worry as she sensed the sadness in Eritha's voice.

Eritha explained that she was tired of her father's behaviour, and how she had made the impulsive decision to join her in making a vlog in Italy without her parents' knowledge.

***

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.