Blooming in Bologna · Y/n story by @ais9

The market buzzed around him—a symphony of haggling voices, clinking glass, and the distant strum of a street musician’s guitar. Warm sunlight filtered through the awnings, casting dappled shadows across the cobblestones.

Maggie Antonelli

Kimi! Look, they have those little candles that smell like limone!

She tugged at his sleeve. He didn’t move.

Veronica Antonelli

slowing, glancing back Andrea? What is it? Are you feeling okay?

Kimi blinked. His mother’s voice came from somewhere far away. His eyes were fixed ahead—past the stalls, past the crowd—on a splash of white and pink beneath an old cherry tree.

???

giggles as she takes the flower Grazie, signorina!

A tiny girl, no older than five, clutched a single stem in her chubby hand and ran back to her mother. The young woman rose from her crouch, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Her smile was small. Quiet. Unhurried.

Kimi Antonelli

(Who is she…? Why did she just… give that away? She doesn’t even know that kid. And she’s just standing there like—like she’s the only one who knows how to breathe properly. What is wrong with me? I can’t move.)

Maggie Antonelli

tugging harder Kimi! You’re being weird. What are you staring at?