I wandered over the cobbled streets of the old city, the stones still warm from the sun, whispering stories beneath my feet. It reminded me of something I once read. I couldn't remember the plot, only the feeling it left behind.
Just as the evening settled around me , my phone broke the spell."GO TO YOUR LEFT," it blared, graceless and far too loud.
Faces turned. A few strangers on a nearby bench looked up, startled.One of them muttered something I didn't catch.
I flushed, smiling sheepishly as I raised a hand in apology—not just for the noise, but for disturbing the quiet magic of the moment.
Turning left, I quickened my step, but a smile tugged at my lips. This evening felt like the beginning of something beautiful.
I finally arrived at the apartment.
The street was quiet, almost too quiet, like it was holding it's breath. As I scanned the buzzers for my name, I noticed that most of them were blank -- just empty white labels, untouched and unclaimed.
Except for one.
Right next to mine.
"Lorenzo Valentino"
The name stood out, printed in crisp, neat letters. It sounded like it belonged to someone who wore cologne you could smell from the hallway. Someone who enjoyed walking through the streets of Florence.
I shook my head and continued into the building. My apartment was on the second floor, just below the line of the roofs, facing a brick wall. It didn't really matter though, I would mostly be studying in here.
The warm, rosy glow of the evening sun reminded me to text my brother.
"I arrived, everythings fine,"
My suitcase was heavy with clothes and memories of my family.
I entered my apartment. Outside, Florence finally buzzed with life -- laughter, clinking glasses, the occasional shout bouncing off the alley walls. The night outside came to life.
In here, it was quiet. I opened the window just a little, letting in the scent of warm stone and something sweet I couldn't place.
It felt like the city was inviting me out, even though my body ached with travel and change.
I hesitated. My university was not too far, but walking would take too long. So I had already planned to take the subway there. The city was calling for me though, and somehow the name Lorenzo Valentino still ringed in my ear.
F*ck it. It was my first day here. Better start it off good.