Hi reader, This post has been slightly delayed by Mother’s Day.
For those who celebrate today, Happy Mother’s Day!
Piazza Bella - Aperitivo: I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X | XI | XII | XIII
Piazza Bella - Antipasto: I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII
I woke early, having slept well, and gained a bounce in my step. As I pulled on my gear, happiness surged through me, and I felt pleased to go for a run, having canceled that pleasure and mental health essential too many times in recent days.
When setting off, I suddenly veered in a long half-circle, deliberately changing my route to avoid Renata’s restaurant and a chance meeting with Salvatore.
It was Tuesday, and a conclusion to Luca’s cancer seemed a million years away. Whenever I dwelled on his illness, my nerves frayed, so I was glad to pound Venice’s streets, putting an inch in my step as I flew past the fish market, but not because of the smell. I wanted to avoid all human contact, something I needed when extreme pressure bit hard.
I stretched my legs out, desperate to rid myself of negative thoughts, so I focused on love, and Salvatore instantly popped into my mind, quickly followed by Liam. I pressed my body harder, pumping my fists in time with my knees, feeling ashamed of myself and the arousal that possessed so much power to affect me.
As I turned into a narrow alley, my heart thumped irregularly, aching terribly from a searing stitch. I breathed awkwardly, and my legs weighed like lead, so I pulled up on a small humpback bridge spanning a narrow neighborhood canal.
When I fell to my knees sobbing, I knew a physical breakdown accompanied my mental anguish. Two strong hands lifted and guided me to a bench beside a small art gallery, where I sat heavily.
“You must rest, young lady.”
“Wh-what?”
“You’ve been running with the hare and hunting with the hounds far too long.”
“I’m fine.”
“You look far from fine to me. Now rest, my dear, and gather your strength - you’ll need it to get back home.”
“I’ll be okay in a minute. Thank you.”
“Mostly, things are going so well for you, but it’s important to let situations happen rather than constantly worry and react to them when you can’t change the outcome.”
“You sound like my Dad. Go with the flow, Carla.”
“Then go with the flow, Carla.”
“Funny.”