Italy, Autumn in September [English]

Chapter 3

Forest was confused as she looked around, "Lah? where is this?" she muttered, realising that she was lost. She tried to retrace her steps back to the starting point, but she could not remember where Eritha had last been in the toilet.

Forest decided to walk aimlessly, not knowing where she was going. And eventually she got lost further into random places.

Forest noticed that Eritha's mobile phone battery was running low. She cursed inwardly, realising her best friend wouldn't be able to call for help, as Eritha didn't remember her own number.

At first, she wanted to cry because she was a bit of a crybaby. But then she remembered her boyfriend, Kei. Without hesitation, she dialled his number.

"Hello?" Kei's voice came over the phone.

"My friend is missing," Forest said suddenly in English, her voice trembling and she ended up crying hysterically while squatting in the corner.

Kei sounded confused and surprised, "Tell me what you mean, I don't understand," he asked.

Forest explained that she was in Rome, Italy, and Eritha was missing. She burst into tears, her words disjointed and garbled.

Kei who heard her was surprised by the situation, "What? Rome?! Okay, now you calm down, and can you tell me, where are you?"

***

Eritha's anxiety reached its peak as she walked through unfamiliar streets, trying desperately to find Forest without a mobile phone or money. Panic set in as she realised she was completely lost and alone in a country she had never visited before. Her heart races as she accidentally runs into a group of intimidating gangs loitering in an alleyway. They looked at her curiously, adding to her fear.

She saw a stranger who seemed approachable.

"Excuse me," she said in a slightly trembling voice. "Can you tell me where the nearest police station is?" she asked in English.

The stranger, a handsome and charming man with a kind demeanour, looked at her and chuckled softly. "It's right behind you," he said in English, nodding towards a building across the street.

"Don't worry, you look like a foreigner. It could have happened," he added. This time, Eritha could clearly hear the man's Italian accent in his English.

Eritha's face flushed red with embarrassment, when she realised that she had missed the proximity of the police station.

"Oh, thank you so much," she replied softly, trying to compose herself before heading to the police station.

"No problem," the stranger said with a warm smile, watching Eritha slowly walk away.

As Eritha walked towards the police station to report her missing friend Forest, she saw Forest and Kei coming out of there. They seemed to be arguing, but then Forest suddenly kissed Kei on the cheek, followed by a warm hug, which Kei returned. Eritha felt a wave of disappointment and anger towards Forest, her best friend.

It turned out that Forest had lied to her about her desire to make a vlog in Italy, when in reality she just wanted to meet her boyfriend. This also caused Eritha to get lost without her mobile phone and money. Feeling betrayed, Eritha turned around and walked past the stranger who spoke to her earlier, tears streaming down her face as she walked away.

As Eritha continued walking, she could not shake off the feeling of betrayal and hurt from Forest's actions.

The stranger followed her, and asked "Are you okay?"

Eritha nodded, trying to compose herself, but the stranger could clearly see through her falseness. He smiled soothingly and gently asked if she wanted to tell him about what had happened.

Eritha hesitated at first, but there was something in the stranger's eyes that made her feel safe. She told him about Forest, about how she had lied to her and left her without a mobile phone or money. The stranger listened attentively, his expression filled with empathy.

After hearing her story, the stranger offered to help Eritha and even offered to pay for her hotel accommodation. She hesitated at first, not wanting to burden him with her problems, but the kindness in his eyes was genuine. She accepted his offer and together they walked through the winding streets of Rome.

As they walked, the stranger introduced himself as Amic Salvatore. He told her about his life in Rome, about the history and culture of the city. Eritha found herself captivated by his words.

Arriving at the Hotel in Rome, Amic quickly made his way to the front desk, handling the check-in process and securing Eritha's accommodation efficiently.

With a warm smile, Amic turned to Eritha and bid her farewell. Eritha expressed her gratitude for Amic's help in paying for the hotel.

Before Amic left, Eritha asked for his phone number, as she had a debt to pay. Amic willingly gave her his number.

After Amic's departure, Eritha could not ignore the heaviness in her chest. The pain and disappointment still lingered in her mind as she walked towards her room.

Eritha's mind was in turmoil, the disappointment towards Forest weighing heavily on her. She fell onto the bed, her body and mind craving for rest. The ticking of the clock echoed in the quiet room, the only sound that accompanied her as she tried to find peace.

Exhaustion finally overcame Eritha, her eyelids heavy as sleepiness called to her. Surrendering to the embrace of the night, she fell into a deep sleep.

***

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.