Italy, Autumn in September [English]

Chapter 2

Eritha's heart was pounding as she carefully slipped out of her bedroom window, her eyes moving quickly to make sure her parents didn't notice. For the first time, she was rebelling against her father.

Carrying her suitcase, she walked towards the front of the alley where Forest, her best friend, was waiting in a taxi. Eritha's lips curled into a nervous smile as she approached the cab, the weight of the decision heavy on her shoulders.

"Woy, hurry up, woy! It's getting late," Forest exclaimed as she waved frantically from the back seat.

"Alah, you're the one who's late, blame me," Eritha retorted, her voice filled with exasperation as she slid into the taxi.

Forest, unfazed by her best friend's response, immediately applied powder to her face. And signaled to the driver to start the engine.

As the taxi sped towards Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Eritha's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions. She knew that this was a bold and risky move.

Forest, sensing Eritha's inner turmoil, reached out and squeezed her hand gently. "Hey, you can do it," she whispered, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and encouragement. "We're in this together, no matter what."

Eritha nodded.

As the taxi pulled up to the airport, Eritha took a deep breath, preparing herself for the next step in her journey. She knew that the road ahead would be full of challenges and uncertainties, but the prospect of finally living life on her own terms was too exciting to ignore.

Getting out of the taxi, Eritha and Forest walked through the crowded terminal, their eyes scanning the departure board for the next available flight. Eritha's heart was beating fast as she bought a ticket.

Eritha and Forest walked inside terminal 3, each with their own unique style. Eritha, wearing a long coat, a mini jeans skirt, a knit top, and her favorite black Zara boots, carried her dark blue suitcase with ease. Beside her, Forest stood out with her bright red patterned shirt and stylish sunglasses, adding a cool vibe to her look.

The sound of their footsteps echoed in the spacious hall as they approached the security checkpoint.

As they passed through the security gate, Eritha felt a surge of adrenaline run through her veins.

They were waiting at the gate for the flight call. There must have been hundreds or even thousands of people waiting for their flights.

Through a loudspeaker hanging from a pole supporting the airport roof came a woman's voice informing the departure of the flight route from Jakarta (CGK) to Rome (FCO) in two languages, Indonesian and English.

When their flight was finally called, Eritha and Forest immediately got up from their seats and queued to board the plane. Then entered the door of the plane, and seat 5A right by the window was Eritha's seat. To her right was Forest, her best friend.

‘This is the first flight of my life,’ Eritha whispered to herself.

09:00 the plane took off from Soekarno Hatta airport.

The flight destination was Rome, Italy. A new place she was traveling to for the first time.

The plane glided on the runway and took off into the sky, Eritha stared out the window at the world below her. The vast expanse of clouds and sky seemed to stretch endlessly, calling her to explore and discover. Meanwhile, Forest beside her had fallen asleep with a furrowed brow. I don't know what she was dreaming about in her dreams.