Chapter 131

• "It was so disappointing that I had spent five days roaming around, unable to locate Nonna's family. For five nights, I slept on the sand of the island. I had already run out of the little cash I had on me. Seeing how impossible it had been for me to keep being stubborn, I broke down and cried for a while, before begging one of the people who have visited the island, for her phone. I had tried calling my father, but he wasn't picking up. So I called my mom who eventually answered. She was so happy to hear it was me. She had asked where I was, and I was too tired to even speak. I was able to describe the island, and she promised that Nonna was coming for me, before hanging up the call. I thanked the lady for her phone, and waited patiently for help. It wasn't up to half an hour later when Nonna showed up. I found myself crying at seeing someone familiar. My favourite person. She had told me they had been looking for me, and asked how I had gotten there. I narrated my ordeal to her. Apparently, my bag had been stolen, not misplaced. That was how they had found out I was in trouble. After they read the short note I left at home, explaining where I was headed, Nonna had reached out to her family to enquire if they had seen me, but was given a negative reply. She didn't waste any time to fly down to Russia, regardless of Nonno's disapproval. For days, my family had all been looking for me, until I finally called."
• "Thank goodness." I whispered.
• "Nonna had tried convincing me to return to Italy, but I was very scared of my Nonno's wrath. She was very understanding, and agreed we stayed back in Russia for a little longer. We returned to her family house, and remained there for a couple of days. After much persuasion, I agreed to return to Italy, but insisted we went to see Alexander in the military academy before leaving."