The wind carried the crisp bite of Tuscanautumn as Giovanni and Salomé stepped onto the university campus.
Morning sun lit the cobbled pathways, painting everything in warm hues of amber and rust.
The air held the earthy scent of old stone and damp leaves, mingling with the richer aromas of roasted chestnuts and distant espresso.
Towering buildings, some centuries old, loomed with quiet grandeur—arched windows, ivy-strewn façades, and carved stone balconies that whispered history in every detail.
Around them, the campus buzzed with life: students hurried by with books in hand, scooters zipped past the gates, and the sound of distant bells echoed faintly across the city.
Earlier that morning, they stood beneath the departure board at Florence Airport, to bid their fathers goodbye.
Dominic had pulled Giovanni aside, a hand on his shoulder, his voice low and firm. Whatever he said was meant for Giovanni alone.
It was a quiet exchange, a few clipped words, and a final nod. Giovanni didn't show much, but the way his jaw set said enough.
Marco stood beside Salomé, his hands in the pockets of his coat as they watched the other two in a conversation few feet away.
"Try not to charm the whole city," he said, glancing at her with a half-smile. "One street at a time. Two blocks max."
Salomé let out a quiet laugh, brushing her hair back. "I'll try," she said, amused.
After a beat, she turned to hug him carefully, resting her cheek against his shoulder.
"Please look after my dad… Uncle Marco," she said, the title coming a little hesitantly, but with genuine warmth.
Marco gave a soft chuckle as he returned the hug with a single pat on her back. "Only if you keep an eye on that son of mine," he replied.
Now, walking side by side through the university's grand courtyard, that farewell still clung to them like the morning chill.
Giovanni moved with composed ease, his posture straight, his steps measured. His close-cropped dark hair and angular features made him seem older than he was, his blue eyes giving very little away.
He wore a dark wool coat over a slate-grey turtleneck, black slacks, and perfectly shined boots.
Beside him, Salomé was color and life wrapped in curiosity. Her wavy blue hair tumbled down past her shoulders, catching glints of sunlight like ink in water.
Her doe eyes, wide with wonder and barely restrained excitement, drank in every detail of their new environment.
She wore a black coat belted at the waist, a burgundy scarf slung casually over one shoulder, and boots that thudded softly with each step. Her presence, like her energy, was impossible to ignore—vivid and untamed.
Together, they were a striking pair—his calm, quiet precision against her curious flame. Shadow and spark, walking into a place that would soon shape the course of their lives in ways neither of them could yet imagine.
"Well," he said, adjusting the strap on his bag. "See you around."
Before she could respond, he turned and walked off with large, purposeful strides. The slight breeze ruffled his hair as he disappeared around the corner.
"Wait...what?" She called, taking a step forward but he was already gone.
She scoffed, crossing her arms. 'So much for taking care of me. You're killing it.'
Salomé exhaled deeply, trying to steady herself, when she suddenly realized she wasn't sure where to go next.
The campus was so much larger than she'd expected. And she had no idea where her department was.
Just then, a young man walked past her, with quick, purposeful steps, then he stopped, turned around and jogged towards her, his brow furrowed slightly in what looked like mild frustration.
"Excuse me, hi," he said, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Uhm... do you happen to know where the psychology department is? I'm kind of lost."
Salomé blinked, startled by the sudden question. She had been about to ask someone the exact same thing.
His strong Italian accent revealed his roots instantly, standing in stark contrast to Giovanni's more subdued, almost imperceptible one.
The young man was taller than her, with a lean, athletic build. His short, messy hair was a sandy blonde, just a shade darker than his lightly tanned skin.
His eyes were a bright, warm blue, and there was a kind of youthful energy about him that made Salomé feel a little less out of place.
"Uhh, I'm kinda new here," Salomé stammered, now feeling a little self-conscious.
His expression shifted to one of amused understanding. "Well, this is great. Looks like we're both lost." he flashed a grin.
Salomé couldn't help but smile at his lightheartedness. "Seems like it."
He let out a small chuckle. "I'm Mason." He extended a hand with a friendly smile. "Maybe we can figure it out together?"
Salomé shook his hand, surprised at how comfortable she felt already. "Salomé."
"Nice to meet you, Salomé," Mason said, glancing around. "Alright, let's make sense of this maze. First step, find someone who actually knows we're they're going."
They were handed a pamphlet by one of the staff which resembled a map of the ancient days, as Salomé described it.
"What department are you in?" Mason asked as they started down the path indicated in the pamphlet.
"We're actually headed that way," She said.
"Psychology?"
"Yep. Are you in the program too?"
"Oh no. My sister is. Her second year actually."
"Oh yeah? Maybe I could to meet her."
"Sure. I'll introduce you." He glanced at the map again, squinting. "So, what made you choose psychology?"
Salomé paused for a moment, thinking. "Honestly, I've always been fascinated by how people think... I guess it just felt like the right fit. And it happens to be one of those subjects that always leaves you wanting to know more, you know."
"That's a cool way to put it." He smiled.
"How about you?"
"Architecture," he said, chuckling. "Kind of ironic, considering I get lost in half the buildings I walk into."
Salomé laughed. "Well, let's hope you're better off designing than navigating them."
They reached the psychology department, and Mason turned to Salomé with a crooked smile. "I guess, I'll see you around then."
"Yeah," she smiled back. "See you."
She waved at him before heading inside. The heavy door creaked open and closed behind her.
Maybe, just maybe, this new beginning wasn't going to be as bad as she had feared.