R 3: B

out of the university prem

the dormitory an hour earlier as I int

oot in Pavia, I soon realized that finding my way around would be a challenge. Despite having a map, I spent hours getting lost and wandering through unfamiliar

a tour of the campus and we could find new places together. The thought of exploring the premises with my brother excited me at first, then the od

ood that saturated the atmosphere, and admiring the historic palaces, I could not help the feeling that this metr

atmosphere of the quaint enterprise enveloped me and I instantly felt at ease. My eyes roamed throughout the room, se

s my son. Leonardo," She added and gestured towards the young man standi

about you Elsa. Welc

I said smiling as mother an

y but quickly decided against it as it might seem disrespectful. I forced a smile onto my face, studying his features as

t Mamma likes to be around

d. "My Risotto alla Milanese and Osso buco are rumo

ne for my brother and I even when it wasn't Christmas day. Absolutely de

show you around. Co

ast the kitchen into the area assigned for the staff, grateful to have my hand ba

r size, I was worried it wouldn't be. You'll fit right in. Come alo

ironment as she took me on a tour of the diner, pointing ou

ke a world of its own. The sound of chatter and clinking cutlery filled the air as we approached a table. With a smile on her face, she greeted the customers and took

conversations with customers at night. The diner became a second home, a sanctuary where I found solace. I relished the interactions and connections I had made as I became an integral part of the di

ces, and I found satisfaction in brigh

onging in this bustling city. Juggling my studies and work proved to be a challenge initially as late-night shifts at the diner sometimes left me weary and sleep-deprived, but I knew that my dreams were worth the sacrifices. I developed a meti

background and lived a flas

opular girls in school. She drove a fancy car, wore designer clothes, and seemed to effortlessly attract attention

that both perplexed and fascinated me. As I made my way through the campus towards my dormitory, I was delighted that it was a Saturday morning. It meant no classes for me and I could sleep in

my eye. When I turned fully to catch a proper glimpse of what it was, bright blue eyes stared back at me. Shocked, I opened m

erena." Her voice was silky, it had a soothing effect on me. "I'm goi

in affi

n the light as her long blond locs tumbled onto her shoulder. The diamonds in her necklace twinkled as the blue Jersey of the Pavia basketball team she donned outlined her

aid, her eyes twinkled as a smile

I asked,

. They'r

ask." I repl

t? Most people do when they see

sat down. "Yes. I thought about it but I also thought it wo

sketball team?" I added after

's basketball team. D

rything I'm juggling, I wouldn't be abl

at's sa

hat." I said chuckling. S

on before and I thought it would be nice to get to

f the time but it'd be wonderful to get to know you," I said and w

tting to know me. She possessed an insatiable thirst for life, an unyielding spirit that craved adventure and connection. We quickly discovered common interests and shared a genuine

in extravagant shopping sprees and luxurious dinners, often extending invitations to me. While I was appreciative of her generosity, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being a burden or intruding on her world of luxury and we had a conversation about it. To my surprise, she was empathetic and understanding. She acknowledged the stark differences in our financial situations and reassured me