Gabriella's point of view

ringing.

ringing.

I roll over and moan as I reach for my phone in an attempt to silence the incessant ringing. I squint at the screen and notice Valentina's missed call. My heart beats faster.

Sh*t.

I bolt from my bed and head for the loo. My reflection is still a mess when I look at it five minutes later. Even though my hair isn't tangled, it's extremely frizzy, and it's difficult to ignore the bags under my eyes.

As I rummage through my drawers, clothes are flying everywhere. I need my jean shorts because it's warm in Amalfi, especially today. I finally locate them and replace my spandex after what seems like an eternity. After removing my baggy t-shirt, I donned a baby blue tank top and tucked it into my shorts.

I dash across the hall to take a brief look in Bianca's room. She's sleeping soundly, curled up. I gently lift my three-year-old daughter and plant a kiss on her forehead. She hardly moves. Her pyjamas will do for now, but I'll get her an outfit to change into later.

I check my phone and purse? Verify. With a bag of granola for breakfast? Verify.

With Bianca in one arm, I quickly leave my apartment after putting on my white trainers. I see Valentina waiting in her car, her foot tapping impatiently, as I arrive at the parking lot.

"Shit, I'm so sorry!" I say this, fastening Bianca's car seat before hopping into the passenger seat.

As she turns onto the street, Valentina rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "You're fortunate that yesterday we packed your bags and threw them in my trunk."

I exhaled. "I understand. Thanks, Val.

She looks in the rearview mirror. "It appears that Bia is unconscious."

Yes, I did carry her down while she was half asleep. wanted to avoid waking her.

Valentina smiles. "Thank goodness your flat is close to the airport; otherwise, we would miss our flight."

I roll my eyes as I open my granola bar. "Oh, please. You give the impression that we've never been late.

"Momma?"

As I turn around, I see Bianca rubbing her eyes and searching the car bewilderedly.

"Hey, baby girl," I murmur. "Are you hungry?"

She yawns and shakes her head. "Where are we?"

"We're heading to the airport. Today, we are travelling in a large aircraft.

Bianca yawns once more. "I'm exhausted."

She struggles to fall asleep, causing her head to droop and then jerk back up. I rubbed her hair. "Baby, close your eyes. The day will be long.

"Hi, Bia!" Through the mirror, Valentina smiles at her. "Are you looking forward to the large aircraft?"

Bianca murmurs, "Hello, Momma. Aunty."

"What is it, love?" She's already asleep when I ask.

"Is Matteo coming or not?" I stretch my neck to relieve the stiffness and ask Valentina.

"He will arrive in a few days. She grips the wheel a little more tightly and says, "He got a big project at work."

"I thought he finished it?"

Valentina moans. "He did. However, Matteo now has to tidy up the mess left by a drunken colleague.

Valentina spends the remainder of the drive complaining about Matteo's annoying job. With hardly a breath, she moves from the drama at work to griping about seeing him only after five every night.

At times, Valentina practically yells, but Bianca sleeps through it all.

Valentina eventually mentions our most recent European vacation.

She smiles nostalgically as she remarks, "I can't believe it's been years since we went to Provence, London, Barcelona, and Tuscany." "That trip was an unforgettable experience."

I chuckled quietly. "Yes. That trip changed my life.

I am particularly interested in Tuscany.

We went to a fancy pub the night before our flight home. At eighteen, we had the legal right to consume alcohol. Fun began the evening. An attractive Italian man then asked me to dance. After one dance, we had a drink. Then another. This episode is followed by yet another. Valentina—this was before Matteo left early with somebody.

I can't recall his name. I can barely remember anything.

I was entangled in his sheets when I woke up. nude. I turned to see him sleeping next to me, and my stomach fell.

I felt like screaming. Run. I remained motionless for a moment. I quickly got out of bed, grabbed my dress, and put it on, my heart racing. I found my panties torn.

My face still burns when I think about it.

I threw them in the trash can. My eyes shifted to the wastebasket, where I found a crumpled used condom.

I felt a wave of relief. We were cautious, at least.

However, we weren't.

I discovered I was pregnant a few weeks later. I found out about my pregnancy shortly before the commencement of college.

Valentina interrupts my reverie with the words, "We’re here, daydreamer." She pulls into the "E" lot.

I open the rear door, unbuckle my seatbelt, and exit. I carefully remove Bianca's strap, but the movement awakens her.

"Sorry, baby," I mumble. "Can you walk?"

She yawns against my shoulder and shakes her head.

As I manage our bags and change her weight, I sigh. Valentina retrieves her carry-on and four suitcases from the trunk.

She raises an arm in the air and smiles. "Are we prepared to have an incredible time in Tuscany?"

Bianca buries her face in my neck and whimpers, "Shh." "Silence, Aunty Val."

I laugh. "Be kind, Bia."

"I can't wait to return to the most breathtaking location on the planet!" As she begins power-walking towards the airport, Valentina says, her energy practically vibrating.

Time rewards those who wait" I laugh and call after her. However, she is already too far ahead—almost running.

I tighten my hold on Bianca and shake my head.

Tuscany.

Once, I wanted to forget this place.

And now I was returning.