A few hours after we got back to my apartment and settled in, I followed Sophie out the door, a mix of excitement and jitters bubbling up inside me. I hadn’t even noticed how much I’d missed wandering new places until right then, about to dive back into it with Sophie next to me.
As we strolled through Italy’s streets, the city just swallowed us up—the uneven cobblestones, the bright buildings, the hum of people all around. My heart was pounding, totally caught up in the thrill of it.
Sophie was like a little kid set loose in a candy shop, her eyes huge as she took it all in. She kept stopping to snap selfies with every famous landmark we passed, and I couldn’t stop laughing at how pumped she was. I’d never seen her so lit up.
When we got to the Colosseum, Sophie’s jaw practically hit the ground. She ran her hands over the old stones, her face glowing like she couldn’t believe it was real.
“Oh my gosh, Mira! This is unreal!” she shouted, spinning to me with this massive grin.
I smiled back, and this wave of happiness hit me—something I hadn’t felt in forever. Wandering the city with Sophie, sharing all this, it was just what I needed to shove my problems aside, even if only for a little while.
We spent the day roaming around, hitting up landmarks and tasting local food. Sophie was snapping pics of everything—especially me—and I ended up posing for more selfies than I had in ages.
During a gelato break, I leaned in, curiosity sparking in my eyes. “Okay, tell me everything. I’ve missed everyone so much! Do you all still hang out a lot?”
“Oh, you know us,” she said, licking her gelato. “Everyone’s busy killing it at uni, but honestly, we haven’t seen each other much lately—life’s been crazy.”
I nodded, a small, wistful smile tugging at my lips as I thought about our friends and their hectic lives.
“Yeah, I get it,” I said with a sigh, a pinch of guilt creeping in. “I’ve been so caught up with school and settling in here that I haven’t kept up with anyone. But I miss them—the beach trips, the late-night study sessions…” I trailed off, lost in those high school days.
Sophie reached over and gave my hand a soft squeeze. “We miss you too, Mira. But hey, I’m here now—you’ll just have to put up with me for a bit.”
I laughed at that. “Honestly, I needed this break,” she added. “And I’ve got all the time in the world for you, Mira.”
Gratitude and warmth flooded through me—she’d come all this way just for me. “Thanks, Sophie. That means a lot,” I said, soaking in her familiar face, one I’d missed more than I’d realized. “You know, I’ve been so stuck in my head lately, I forgot what it’s like to just… unwind and enjoy myself,” I admitted, feeling lighter just saying it out loud.
“Well, that’s why I’m here—to remind you how to have some fun,” she said with a playful wink.
We went quiet for a sec, just watching the busy Italian streets buzz around us. “So… six months here already!” Sophie said, breaking the silence. “What are your favorite spots?”
I thought for a moment, running through my list. “Well, Piazza Navona’s gorgeous in the evening. And I love the Trevi Fountain at night—so calm and quiet,” I said, a soft smile creeping up.
“But if I had to pick one, it’s Gianicolo Hill. The sunset there, overlooking the city—it’s unreal. I’ve spent hours up there just thinking,” I said, nostalgia hitting me hard.
“We should go tomorrow,” Sophie said.
My face lit up, and I nodded fast. “Yes! You’ve got to see it—it’s something you can’t really get until you’re there,” I said, excitement building.
I couldn’t wait to share that spot with her, to watch the sunset together. It felt big, like I was letting go of old stuff and stepping forward.
We spent the rest of the day catching up, planning tomorrow, and just enjoying being together.
———
The sun was just starting to dip as Sophie and I climbed the winding path to Gianicolo Hill.
When we reached the top, I took a deep breath, peace washing over me. Sophie looked around, wide-eyed, as we found a spot to sit and watch the sunset. “Wow… it’s beautiful,” she whispered, totally awestruck.
We sat there quietly for a bit, soaking in the stunning view as the sun sank lower.
As the sky darkened, Sophie leaned against me, her head on my shoulder. Contentment settled in—I was so thankful she was here. “Honestly, after that phone call, I was worried you wouldn’t enjoy this trip,” she said softly. “I’m so glad you’re doing okay.”
I chuckled, a tangle of feelings bubbling up. “Yeah, I surprised myself too. Sorry about that, by the way,” I said, thinking back to that awful nightmare about Liam.
I wanted to ask about him so bad, but I stopped myself, switching gears instead. “Hey, did you know this hill has a cool history?” I said, forcing a smile. “The Etruscans thought the temple up here kept evil spirits away—they even sacrificed animals to make sure.”
Sophie’s eyes lit up, curious. “That’s amazing! No wonder it feels so… intense.” She paused, then sighed. “You know, we miss you back home, but we’re so happy for you, Mira. You’re living your dream here in Italy.”
“I know! I love it here, but I still miss home sometimes,” I said, letting out a breath. “I miss Mom, my friends, everything.” I glanced around. “I’ve said it a ton, but I’m so glad you’re here, Sophie. It’s like a piece of home came with you.”
She took in the view. “But this can be home too, you know. You’ve built something here, working hard to be an awesome doctor someday.” Her eyes shone with pride.
“Thanks, Sophie. That means everything,” I said quietly.
We sat there for a bit, lost in our thoughts as night fell around us.
“Wait a sec,” I said, perking up. “There’s this awesome club uptown I’ve been meaning to check out. Wanna go later?” I grinned at her.
Sophie’s face broke into an excited smile. “Oh my gosh, yes! I’ve been dying to see Italy’s nightlife.” She smirked. “And I want to see you loosen up—you’ve been way too serious lately.”
I laughed, the idea sparking something fun inside me. “Alright, let’s do it! It’s called La Fenice—supposed to be the spot. Let’s head back to my place and get ready—it’s getting late,” I said, checking my phone, already pumped.
———
At La Fenice, the thumping music and flashing lights pulled us in as we wove through the packed dance floor. Sophie and I held hands tight, not letting the crowd split us up.
We danced and laughed, moving with the beat, and for a few hours, all my worries just melted away. I felt free—like really free—spinning Sophie around and letting go in a way I hadn’t in forever.
As the night went on, we grabbed drinks and plopped onto bar stools to catch our breath, watching the scene around us.
Mid-sip, Sophie pulled out her phone and angled it for a selfie. She leaned in close, and I flashed a big smile as she snapped a few shots. The flash caught us laughing in the dim bar light. “These are perfect! Sending them to the group chat—they’re gonna be so jealous!” she said, typing away.
“We’ve all been so slammed—this’ll be the first message there in ages,” she said.
“Same—I haven’t checked social media in forever. I’m clueless about what’s up back home,” I replied.
Sophie’s eyes sparkled as she scrolled the chat. “They’re freaking out over these pics! Look at their replies,” she said, laughing as messages poured in.
I leaned in to read:
- Mady: I miss you guys! Come home already, especially you, Mira—you’ve barely kept in touch! 

 - Ace: Don’t have too much fun without us! Sophie, don’t forget your boyfriend back here. 
- Ken: Guys, you owe me a new shoes.
 
- Caleb: Bring me something, Sophie! And maybe pack Mira too—her ex misses her.

  
- Zed: You both look great! 
- Rhian: Go ahead, get drunk.  
Nostalgia hit me hard as I read them—I hadn’t been home in months and missed everyone like crazy.
Then I saw it—Liam’s message:  
- Liam: Enjoy, guys. :)
My heart skipped. It was simple, but seeing his name messed me up—nerves and hope all tangled together.
Sophie caught my look and softened. “You okay?” she asked gently.
I nodded, brushing it off, but my mind was racing with Liam—old memories dragging me back.
She shut the chat quick and smiled. “Hey, wanna hit the balcony and stalk everyone’s Instagram? I’ll catch you up on what’s new with them.”
I nodded, glad for the distraction. She grabbed my hand and pulled me outside. The cool air hit me, calming my nerves as I breathed deep.
Sophie started scrolling through our friends’ Instagrams, showing me the latest.
First up was Mady. We both “aww’d” at her and Ken, grinning in front of some pretty scenery.
“They’re so cute,” Sophie sighed. “I’m so happy for them.”
I nodded, feeling warm but a little jealous too.
“They’re at the same uni now,” she said.
“Really? That’s awesome—they’ve been through so much, and now they’re doing this together.”
“Yeah, they’re practically inseparable,” she laughed.
Next pic: Mady in a busy street, caption: So many memories! 
I smiled, remembering that spot. “We used to grab coffee there all the time.”
“She works there part-time now,” Sophie said. “She’s the busiest of us all—school and a job.”
“Wow, still the same old Mady,” I said, grinning.
Ken’s feed: him and uni friends crammed in a dorm. Caption: Study sessions turned into a sleepover! 
“Classic Ken,” I laughed. Still the funny guy.
More pics showed him studying in the library. “He’s hitting the library now? He hated it before,” I said.
“Yeah, he’s serious now. Mady’s got him stepping up,” Sophie said.
Ace’s feed: him in front of a law school building. Caption: Can’t wait to make a difference!
“Law school?!” I said, shocked.
Sophie beamed. “Yep, and he’s doing great.”
“Guess we’ve got a lawyer coming,” I said, amused.
“And my lawyer boyfriend,” she giggled, smitten.
More pics of Ace in the library. “Even Ace now? We used to drag them there,” I said.
“Believe it—they’ve changed,” she laughed.
Sophie’s feed: her and Ace at the beach. Caption: A little beach getaway with my love.  
“You guys are adorable,” I said.
“It was a perfect break,” she said.
Another pic: her and Chris at a café, laughing. “Getting close with your brother, huh?” I teased.
“As if I had a choice,” she groaned sarcastically.
“How’s he doing?” I asked.
“Great—he’s got a girlfriend now,” she said.
“No way!” I said, surprised.
“Yeah, they’re happy,” she said, and I felt glad for him after Hailey.
Zed’s feed: him with a basketball on a court. “Still all about basketball,” I said.
“Always was,” Sophie said. “But he’s doing business management now.”
“Really? Probably for his family’s company,” I said.
Next: him and Quinn at an event. Caption: Can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.
“They together now? Last I heard, he was still after her,” I asked.
“Maybe, or it’s a secret,” Sophie shrugged. “Her mom’s against her dating.”
I knew it was Liam being protective, not her mom, but I didn’t push it.
Caleb’s feed: him with student council, papers everywhere. “Caleb’s still the same—always in student government,” Sophie said.
Next: him at a rally. Caption: Rallying for change. 
“He’s into politics now,” I said.
“Obsessed,” she groaned. “I’m tired of hearing about it.”
Rhian’s feed: her at a new apartment. Caption: Starting fresh in a new city.  
“She moved again?” I asked.
“Just her—her parents got back together, but it’s toxic, so she’s on her own now,” Sophie said.
“She’s tough,” I said.
More pics: her at a diner job, the gym, with new friends. “Remember how mean she was?” I said.
“Yeah, especially to you. But she’s different now,” Sophie said sadly.
“Hard to forget, but it’s wild how people change,” I said, thinking about my own journey.
“We’ve all grown so much,” Sophie said. “Back then, we were just dumb high school kids.”
“Right? Feels like forever ago,” I said, nostalgia kicking in.
“All this change makes me excited for what’s next,” she said, looking out.
“Me too! We’ve come so far—I can’t wait to see what we all do,” I said.
“If you ever visit the Philippines, we need a reunion,” she said. “We miss you—it’s not the same.”
“I’d love that,” I said, then paused. We hadn’t checked Liam’s feed. “Uh… what about Liam?”
She smirked. “What about him?” she teased, knowing I’d been avoiding it.
“Does he… talk about me?” I asked, hopeful.
“Not much,” she said, serious now. “He acts fine since you left, but we know he’s not. But… he asked me to tell him how you’re doing after I said I was visiting.”
“To keep you from overthinking, let’s check his account,” she added.
I forced a smile. “If the others find out, I’m blaming you,” I joked.
She laughed and nudged me. “You’re the curious one. My lips are sealed.” She opened Instagram.
Liam’s feed: him on the soccer field, smiling big. “Always living his soccer dream,” Sophie said.
I nodded, feelings swirling—happy for him, but wondering what else was there.
More pics: teammates, school, parties with friends. Jealousy stung—had he moved on?
Then—an old selfie of us together. My heart stopped. He hadn’t deleted it.
“Oh, Mira…” Sophie said softly, seeing my face.
“Look at us… we had no clue that we would break up,” I said, staring at it.
My throat tightened. “We were so happy. Feels like another life,” I said, regret sinking in. Two hearts in the caption said it all.
Sophie saw my tears. “Let’s stop stalking,” she said, pocketing her phone.
I wiped my eyes. “Yeah, I’m done.” I forced a smile, glancing at the club. “Let’s go have fun.”
We sat at the bar. Sophie ordered a drink while I zoned out, stuck on Liam. What was he up to? Did he think of me?
I sighed, posted a pic of us having fun, and Sophie handed me a drink. “Hey, snap out of it. New memories, okay?”
I sipped, smiled, and posted it to my story, wondering if Liam would see it—and what he’d think.
———
Days later, Sophie went home, leaving me alone again. I sat on the couch, staring at where she’d been, feeling empty.
I grabbed my laptop to work on assignments before class tomorrow.
Then—a loud knock. Who could that be? I opened the door without checking on the peephole.
I froze.
I couldn’t believe who was standing right in front of me.