It is afternoon, the classroom is filled with laughter, crying and their sounds. It is so, how can it be? Today is that day when everybody gets separated from each other. Last day of University. every thing here comes close to heart.The person sitting in one corner has a note book on her bench on which she is writing something, away from the rest she is and a little lost in her thoughts.
The look of her face was very complex, as if the burden of centuries was on her delicate shoulders.
"I had always heard the bell ringing but today it is very different as today is the last day of University .this is peace but its haunts , there are some things which i cannot say and there is no one else who can understand this . Today I'm sad yet happy because finally i completed my old chapter of life now I'm ready to walk ahead but I'm nervous. mom i wished you were here with me I miss you so much.
Henzal . "
She closed the book and took a long breath, her black eyes scanned the entire classroom.Then the last day's celebration happened but still she was there physically not mentally.
---
Henzal Heelshire stepped through the familiar doorway of her aunt Anesthesia's house, the faint scent of spices and freshly brewed coffee greeting her like an old friend. She barely had time to set her bag down before Anesthesia enveloped her in a warm, lingering hug.
"I'm going to miss you, darling," her aunt whispered, her voice gentle but firm, a hint of pride threading through it. Henzal rested her head against Anesthesia's shoulder, letting herself feel the comforting weight of home one last time before everything changed.
After a moment, she pulled back and smiled faintly. "I'll be okay, Auntie," she said softly, though her stomach fluttered with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Excusing herself, Henzal wandered to the bathroom to wash her hands and freshen up. The mirror reflected her pale, slightly flushed face, a few strands of hair sticking to her forehead. She dabbed her face with a towel, her thoughts racing. Italy… new beginnings… a cousin I barely remember…
Stepping out of the bathroom, she found Anesthesia waiting, leaning casually against the kitchen counter, a knowing smile on her lips.
"Henzal," her aunt began, "I haven't told you much about your cousin Aaron. He's in Italy now, working, building his life. You've only seen him as a child, so this will be the first real time meeting him as an adult."
Henzal tilted her head, curiosity mixed with a touch of apprehension. "I barely remember him… he's changed a lot, I suppose."
Anesthesia nodded. "Exactly. But he's kind, responsible… and it will be good for you to see family there, experience something different. Italy will give you a fresh perspective, Henzal. I promise."
Henzal's lips curved into a small, uncertain smile. The thought of leaving everything familiar was daunting, but there was a spark of anticipation she couldn't ignore. Maybe this trip is exactly what I need…
---
Next Morning
The first rays of sunlight spilled through the sheer curtains, painting golden streaks across Henzal's neatly packed suitcase. She had spent the night folding, arranging, and rearranging her clothes, each item a quiet reminder of the life she was leaving behind.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted from the kitchen downstairs. Henzal took a deep breath, smoothing her hair one last time before stepping out. Her heart fluttered with excitement and the subtle sting of goodbye.
"Auntie… Uncle…" Her voice caught as she entered the kitchen, where Anesthesia was placing two steaming mugs on the table. Charles looked up from the morning papers, a gentle smile softening his usually serious features.
Anesthesia rose and embraced her, holding her a little longer than usual. "Henzal, my darling," she whispered, brushing a loose strand of hair from Henzal's face. "Remember, no matter where you go, this house will always be your home."
Henzal rested her head against her aunt's shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of lavender and spice. "I'll miss everything… you, Uncle Charles… even the little café smells," she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Charles stepped forward, his tall frame filling the doorway. "Be brave, Henzal. Explore, learn, live… and don't forget to send postcards," he teased, though his eyes betrayed the tug of sentiment.
A small laugh escaped Henzal despite the lump in her throat. "I promise. I'll make you proud."
With one last squeeze from Anesthesia, she hoisted her suitcase, feeling the weight of her past and the pull of the unknown. The front door clicked shut behind her, leaving the warmth of home behind but carrying every memory in her heart.
As she walked toward the waiting taxi, Henzal stole one last glance at the house — the white picket fence, the rose bushes her aunt tended so lovingly, and the café where laughter and aroma intertwined. Italy awaits… and so does a life I've only imagines
---
Journey to Italy – The Mistaken Taxi
The airplane touched down smoothly, and Henzal followed the flow of passengers through the bustling airport. She clutched her small carry-on, eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face, a sign, anything that might lead her to Aaron.
Outside, a sleek black taxi was parked by the curb. Exhausting her patience, Henzal assumed someone had sent it for her — Aaron, most likely. Without hesitation, she approached the vehicle.
"Excuse me… I'm Henzal," she said softly.
The driver gave a polite nod, as if acknowledging any passenger, and opened the rear door. Henzal's heart raced with relief and excitement as she slid into the back seat, clutching her bag. She didn't realize the driver was unaware of whom he was truly transporting — he only knew to drive the person to the address written on his note.
The streets of Italy whirled past her window — pastel-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, and the faint scent of freshly baked bread floating from corner cafés. Henzal leaned back, trying to take it all in, her mind imagining Aaron waiting at the villa.
Minutes later, the taxi came to a stop in front of an imposing villa, its tall gates and elegant façade casting long shadows in the evening light. Henzal peeked through the window, expecting to see Aaron waving, but the place seemed quiet — almost too quiet.
"Here you are, miss," the driver said, getting out to open the door for her. He didn't look at the house, didn't know who she was — to him, it was just another job.
Henzal stepped out, smoothing her hair nervously. "Aaron…?" she whispered, a little uncertainty creeping into her voice.
The villa was silent, grand, and a little intimidating. The taxi driver, thinking his work was done, gave her a polite nod. "Enjoy your stay," he said before driving away, leaving Henzal standing alone at the gates, suitcase in hand.
A strange mixture of curiosity and unease prickled at her chest. This doesn't look like the house I imagined…
---
She walks ahead towards the villa she stood infront of the entrance door she knocked it , but it didn't open as immediately when she about to knock again suddenly.
The door swung open, and Henzal's eyes immediately went up — up, to the broad shoulders and towering height of the man before her. He was impossibly tall, and for a moment, she felt like she was staring at a living shadow.
He was handsome, undeniably so, yet there was something in his gaze that made her heart stumble. His green eyes… haunting, piercing, as if they could see straight through her.
For a brief second, he smirked — a slow, knowing curl of his lips that sent a strange shiver down her spine. Henzal blinked, lost in the intensity of him, completely zoning out. She barely heard the soft creak of the door as he shifted slightly, letting just enough light fall on his sharp jawline and the faint outline of a tattoo near his neck.
"Uh… Aaron?" she managed, her voice trembling slightly.
He said nothing, only studied her with that same haunting gaze, and that smirk lingered like a whispered warning. Henzal's pulse quickened, her thoughts scattering. Who is he…?