The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden hues over the terracotta rooftops of the town.
A soft summer breeze rustled the cypress trees lining the cobblestone streets, carrying the scent of fresh basil and roasted coffee from a nearby café.
The church bells had long since fallen silent, leaving behind a peaceful stillness, broken only by the laughter of three young women.
Letty and Rose walked ahead, their floral dresses swaying with each step, their hands gesturing wildly as they gushed about the service.
"Oh my, what a wonderful service!" Letty beamed, her hazel eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Yes, I was truly blessed," Rose added with a dreamy sigh.
Letty smirked. "Very blessed. Did you see that blessing in the crowd?"
Rose's grin nearly split her cheeks before she let out a dramatic squeal, startling Giulietta.
"Oh Lord, forgive me, but I shall not lie, he was fine! In a suit and all."
Giulietta frowned, tightening her grip on the wicker basket she carried.
The aroma of warm bread and ripe tomatoes wafted up from within, but she hardly noticed. Instead, she focused on the quiet street ahead, pretending not to hear them.
"What did you think, Giulietta?" Letty asked, nudging her shoulder playfully.
"He was so charming, right?" Rose added eagerly, her green eyes sparkling.
Giulietta shrugged, keeping her gaze straight ahead. "I wouldn't know. Such a roguish man is not to my taste."
The two burst into laughter, their giggles ringing through the sleepy afternoon.
"What are you, a heroine in a historical romance?" Letty teased, wiping a tear from her eye.
"He's giving alpha romance!" Letty growled playfully, rolling her eyes.
"He's giving big bad boy. Or daddy," Rose sighed, fanning herself.
Giulietta's steps faltered. She cleared her throat sharply. "You two shouldn't dwell on things of the flesh."
Their laughter halted in shock.
"You mean to tell me you don't read romance novels?" Rose asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
Giulietta's cheeks flushed as if they had spoken profanity. "I don't read anything that is not the Word of God. For I shall not be corrupted."
Rose scoffed, folding her arms. "Unbelievable."
"How boring." Letty sighed dramatically.
Giulietta shook her head, exhaling as they turned the corner onto their street, where colorful laundry hung from balconies and an old man smoked a cigar outside his shop.
The teasing didn't stop. Letty and Rose continued their relentless giggles and playful remarks, their laughter trailing behind them like a melody in the warm summer air.