We were walking toward the train station. The streets of Bolzano were full of classmates heading to school, while cars rushed by frantically. The road leading to our high school, a tree-lined avenue with small shops and a few cafés on the corner, was already bustling: kids with colorful backpacks chatting, bicycles zipping along the sidewalks, and the scent of freshly baked croissants drifting from a nearby café.
Summer vacation was over, and everyone had returned to their normal routines. I paused for a moment and looked up at the sky: the sun shone brightly on my face, illuminating everything around me.
Lucas was walking a few steps ahead, his hands in his pockets. Suddenly, he stopped and turned slightly to the side, searching for me with his eyes.
Is it my imagination, or has he gotten a few centimeters taller?
I sighed, resigned. With that kind of looks, he should be a model.
I started walking toward him when I noticed he was smiling. I froze for a moment, curious, but saw that his gaze was directed downward.
I looked down and… oh no, I had stepped in dog poop! I bit my lip in frustration, and I noticed Lucas was still laughing at me.
He bent almost in half from laughter, then straightened up, wiped the tears from his eyes with his fingers, and looked up at me again, still with that mischievous smile:
"You know stepping in dog poop means you'll have good luck."
Good luck?! He's crazy!
I kept staring at my dirty shoes, wondering if I'd have time to go back and clean them.
But a light cough interrupted my thoughts. When I looked up, I realized he was already behind me.
"Let's go back so you can change your shoes. I'll come with you," he said.
He started walking, still laughing heartily.
What was I saying before?
Ah yes, this was supposed to be a year full of discoveries… scratch that! With Lucas, things can only get worse… and I'm not ready!