Chapter 2 THE HOPE

CHAPTER 2: THE HOPE

I stood at the entrance of University of Pavia, taking in the grandeur of the sprawling campus. The realization that I had gained admission to one of the most prestigious universities in Milan filled me with excitement and nervousness. The bustling energy around me signaled the beginning of a new chapter in my life but the vastness of the campus and the bustling city of Milan overwhelmed me. I felt like a tiny fish in a vast ocean, swimming against the current.

As I made my way through the maze of buildings and corridors exploring the map I had been given, the unfamiliarity of the environment hit me and I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and the overwhelming desire to run back home. I quelled my emotions and took in my environment.

Students hurried past me, making their way to class or to their dorms, their conversations buzzing, the cacophony of voices and laughter filling the atmosphere. I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me but I kept walking in the direction of the dormitory I had been assigned to, determined to make the most of my time at the University.

I attended orientation sessions, met new people, and tried to make new friends along the way but that was futile. I had resumed a few weeks late and everyone had already formed a clique and I felt left out of the loop so I spent most of my time in the library and within the confines of my room in the dorm. I thought it was a blessing and a curse to have a roommate I barely know. She was nice whenever she was around but barely spent enough time in the room for us to get to know each other properly. She dropped by early in the morning after a night of what I assume to be a lot of partying, reeking of booze as the smell of marijuana lingered on her clothes. When I got back from classes, her bed would've been made, the room tidied and she would be nowhere to be found. A predictable cycle. I was grateful for the serenity I enjoyed when she was away but I would have also loved to get to know her a little bit more. The faces of my professors and classmates became familiar, and soon I found a bit of solace in their company.

Outside the confines of the university, Milan beckoned to me with its vibrant streets and diverse culture. Eager to immerse myself in the city, I set out on foot, enthusiastic to explore every nook and cranny. From the bustling markets of Lombardy to the historic Sforza Castle, I discovered the soul of Milan in its bustling streets. It reminded me of Calabria but on a larger scale. The fish markets smelled the same, traders haggled over the prices of goods and services, and kids ran along the wharf. One afternoon, I stood by the dock and stared at the vast expanse of water that separated Milan from the quaint island that was my home. I thought about Mother and Matteo, and I felt a wave of trepidation regarding how they fared but I knew I couldn't go back home now. Mother would accept me with open arms but I had grown weary of the island. There was a whole new world out here I intended to explore.

As the weeks passed, my excitement began to wane. The reality of living in a new city hit me as I soon realized the unending list of expenditures that came with being a student. Determined to ease the financial burden, I embarked on a mission to find a part-time job. I wandered through the busy streets of the Porta Nuova district, clutching my resume and wearing my best outfit. I went from one establishment to another, inquiring about any job openings, and filling out applications at various shops and restaurants. However, every establishment I visited had no vacancies. Each rejection felt like a blow to my confidence, but I persevered.

One day, as I walked through the city feeling discouraged, I stumbled upon a small, cozy diner tucked away in a quiet corner on a side street.

The sign in the window caught my attention. It read:

MORETTI'S DINER DELICIOUS FOOD, FRIENDLY SERVICE. PART-TIME WAITER WANTED.

With a flicker of hope in my heart, I took a deep breath, pushed the door open and stepped inside. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon permeated the air and filled my senses as I entered the quaint establishment.

The diner was adorned with vintage decor, and the warm atmosphere instantly made me feel at ease as I approached the counter, where a middle-aged woman with kind eyes greeted me.

“Hello, dear. How are you doing? What can I do for you?” She asked.

“Signora I, um, I'm looking for a part-time job,” I explained as my voice tinged with nervousness. “I have some experience in customer service, and I am a fast learner. I would love the opportunity to work here.” I added while the lady stared at me. A smile played at the corners of her lips and I panicked, thinking I had rambled and made a complete fool of myself.

“What's your name dear?” She asked after a moment of awkward silence.

“Elsa, Signora. Elsa Savori,” I replied.

“Alright Elsa, I'll tell you something,” She said and hesitated. Her brow creased like she was deep in thought and I felt my heart sink at the thought of yet another rejection.

If I didn't get a job soon, I would run out of money. I would begin living my life at the mercies of snacks and the free food occasionally brought in by the school board. That was not a life I was looking forward to. She smiled after a few minutes and motioned towards a booth for us to sit in.

“I own this diner but my son, Leonardo, is the manager here. He's in charge of employing the staff that work with us, but I like you. Tell me a bit about yourself,” she said when we were seated.

I shared my story with her, recounting events about my life on the island, getting admission into the university, the journey to Milan and my struggles with finding employment. She nodded in response.

“I'm impressed by your determination, Elsa,” she began. "Leonardo usually prefers more experienced staff, but I'm willing to give you a chance. We could use an extra pair of hands here. Fill this in carefully.” She smiled warmly as she slid an application form across the table and walked away.

I felt my heart pound heavily against my chest. My eyes lit up with gratitude as I filled out the form with care. As I handed it back to her, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope deep within me.

“We will contact you soon Elsa. When you resume, I would instruct my son to teach you everything you need to know about working here. I know you'll do great,” She said as she placed my application inside the folder she was holding.

“I won't let you down Signora,” I said, excited at the prospect of getting a job. It was a first step in the direction of achieving my goals and I was resolved to excel at it.

As I walked through the city back to the dorm, I wondered where the chapel was situated. I had checked out the parish located on the school campus but they were from a different Diocese and had no idea who Father Yohan was. I had to find him somehow. Perhaps if I had a letter from my mother and Matteo, I could leave a letter for them as well. They would be excited to hear from me.

I turned the corner, hailed a taxi and asked the driver to take me to the nearest chapel and then for a drive around the city. As he drove towards the chapel, I wrote a letter to my mother and Matteo. I wanted to see the metropolis one more time before I got fully engulfed with work and activities at school. I had been to quite a number of places in the city on foot but this was different. When we got to the chapel, I ran out of the vehicle and up the stairs.

After confirming the Diocese from a priest that was standing by the entrance. I slipped my letter into the mailbox located in the courtyard and sprinted out of the environment like the devil was hot on my heels. When I stepped into the Taxi, I rolled down the glass and put my head out of the window as the cab raced through the city, feeling the wind in my hair as the racket of vehicles and people saturated the atmosphere. When I closed my eyes, it felt a little like Calabria and I felt like an island. Alone. I had wanted to explore the world outside my home but I had never anticipated that I would feel a strong sense of loneliness constantly.

A few days later, I received a call from the diner. I had been hired as a part-time waiter. Excitement bubbled within me as I thought about the new challenges and experiences that awaited me.