A shrill, continuous beep woke me. I knocked my head on the headboard sending my heart racing. I patted the side table for a familiar bottle. My eyes widened when when I started swiping at the air.

     "No!" I cried. "I left them! At home!"

     I crawled out of bed over to the bathroom. Ice cold water froze my features solid. I should have warmed the water first. I mentally scolded myself for my mini-relapse. I don't need it. I really, truly, don't.

     My eyes were tinted slightly with purple under eyes. Normally, I would cover them up with concealer, but I had only grabbed a travel case when packing. I sighed when I unclasped the metal chain. All that I could see was a tiny blush, travel foundation one shade too dark, a crusty mascara tube, a hideous purple lipstick that melted onto the sides of the case, and not a single tube of concealer in sight.

     I sighed and brushed my hair, wincing as I tried to force the brush through my golden locks. Once smooth enough to run my fingers through with ease, I braided two pieces in the front and connected them in the back by a clear plastic band.

     I threw away the travel makeup case, sparing the blush. I drifted out of the bathroom and kneeled at my suitcase which had been thrown harshly on the floor, knocking the desk leg with a thud. My shirts were mostly wrinkled and my pants' legs intertwined with each other. I grabbed a light pair of jean shorts and a ruffled yellow tube top. The top didn't have sleeves and barely reached my belly button. I smiled. My Dad harshly told me that I couldn't wear it out in public; that I was 'asking for it'. I was devastated and had never confronted my parents about it after. Now, they couldn't tell me what to do. I'm an adult. I am on my own.

     I remembered that I set an alarm one hour ago. I wanted a take a proper nap before I set off. The bed was so comfortable. As I slept, I practically drowned in the mountain of pillows. I dreamt about the crisp blue waters of Mondello Beach. The clean white sand looked warm and welcoming. Young couples lazed on the sand as the suntanned their skin. May was closing, welcoming the warm temperatures to waft around the city.

     I slipped on my white converse. A brown scuff was noticeable on the sides and I wiped it away effortlessly. I rummaged through my backpack purse, pulling out my stack of money. I felt unsafe carrying it all around. One crazy robber and I was screwed.

     I pulled out a long sock and stuffed it all in, not before grabbing 200 dollars to exchange them to euros. Using my fully charged phone, I quickly googled the conversion rate and gasped.

     "What?" I whispered loudly.

     One U.S. dollar was equal to .88 pence. I would only have 176 euros! That's 24 less than what I was willing to exchange right now.

     I sighed, grabbing my sunglasses and zipping up my wallet with the money inside, safely tucked into my purse. I closed my suitcase and pushed it deep under my bed. I was taking no chances. Not now, not ever.

     Locking the door and shoving the small key into my wallet, I huffed and trotted towards the stairs.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Massimo Theater.

     The best theater in Palermo. The building was gorgeous. Tan columns rose up to the skies. They often touched the clouds on a day like this. Every feature was detailed in white stone. You would think the tall structure would be intimidating, but the beauty welcomed guests with wide, open arms.

     I paid at the door; only €8 had to be spent so I didn't cringe as I handed the young worker the money. He winked at me and smiled.

     "Enjoy the show." He said.

     I flushed and could feel my cheeks light on fire. I know he was just being polite, but no one had ever been so flirty with me; it left me quite flustered. Shaking my head, I looked around the room in awe.

     Velvet red seats were abundant in the huge room. Towers of chairs, seven to be exact, reached the ceiling where golden chandeliers hung. They lit the room with a bright golden glow, casting brilliant shadows over the tourist's faces who were also gawking at the golden room.

     The stage was gorgeous. Polished wooden boards came together like a mural and decorated the floor. Red velvet curtains fluttered as they were closed, hiding the performers from the public. Golden strings held the velvet in place before brushing the ground with delicate strands.

     Many people filtered through the front doors, amazed just like myself. They took their seats quickly. I looked around and blinked frantically. Were there reserved seats?

     I walked slowly, peeking over shoulders. I received a few looks but most didn't notice. No one had any tickets. They moved around freely, shifting seats.

     I settled on a seat located on the ground level. It was closer to the front and I managed to only have one neighbor to my right. She was a middle-aged woman with frizzy raven hair. I could hear her laugh as someone cracked a joke. It was clear and melodic; smooth and fun. The lady reminded me of Salome.

     I know I should be thinking about my parents, but not many happy memories came to mind. All I could think about was my dad's sad smile as I drove away. I felt guilty about it all. I left with no warning because I was yelled at my Mom.

     Why does it even matter? She yells at me all the time. This time was just the last. I had enough and was moving on with my life. That's all.

     The lights dimmed and I clutched my backpack-purse tighter. Loud voices hushed down to a whisper until shushed to be quiet. The velvet curtains fluttered as they were pulled open, rippling like water as they silently moved through the air.

     It became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone held their breaths as a beautiful lady waltzed to the center of the stage. She wore a golden dress that trailed slowly behind her. It had a plunging neckline that ended short of her belly button. There were no sleeves, but thousands of dollars worth of jewels wrapped around her wrist. Her hair was curled and flowed past her tanned shoulders. The top half of her hair was braided into a crown, filled with flowers and jewels making her shine brighter than the spotlights. Heck, she was the spotlight.

     From my distance, you could see a mic taped to her cheek.

     "Welcome!" She spoke. Her voice was heavily accented but had the consistency of honey. "Thank you all for coming! My name is Miss Maria Russo. I really hope you enjoy the show."

     With that, the orchestra started moving their bows with the conductor leading them through the piece.

     Her voice was deep and low. I never heard anything like it. When I sang in the car, it was high and squeaky. Maria's voice was slow at first until the music became louder. She sang louder and faster until she was belting the lyrics while saying every word clearly for you to hear.

     "Everybody has a way to relieve the pain." She sang slowly, nearly bringing a tear to my eye. "So why don't you try," we locked eyes and didn't look away. "To dance, with me?"

     I felt a warm streak fall down my face. Thank God I wasn't wearing any makeup of it would be all over my face by now.

     I couldn't believe a ticket was only 8 euros! She was incredible. I had only been to a few concerts, most of them would just scream meaningless words into the microphone. I wasn't surprised by how many people called it 'art'.

     Everyone stood up and clapped so much the theater rumbled. Maria smiled and waved at certain people in the crowd. As the guests made their way to the exit the spoke once more.

     "Don't forget to thank the wonderful orchestra for today! Have a wonderful evening everyone!" I smiled and wiped my eyes as I pulled on my purse. This reminded me of why I came here. For the freedom to live.

     I walked out and gulped in the crisp, fresh air before walking the town. I had left America at midnight but arrived at noon according to my body. But the 6 hour time change didn't hold up for me. After my nap, it was already seven in the evening and I just couldn't miss the opera.

     My stomach was rumbling, demanding to be fed. I walked around until I spotted a restaurant I saw online called Cioccolateria Lorenzo.

     I walked inside and was seated after 20 minutes of waiting. It took another 15 minutes to get a drink order, to that, I just asked for water.

     Another 10 minutes passed and I was handed a small glass of ice water.

     That took 10 minutes?

     The waitress asked me for my order and I just picked the first thing I saw. I kind of looked like a soup or stew.

     It took 30 minutes. 30 minutes! All for a cup of mushy liquids that made my stomach churn. I took one slurp and scowled. I took a swig of my water. I guessed it was from the bathroom tap by the taste of it.

     I paid the €17 meal that I took four bites out of before giving up. I didn't bother to leave a tip of any kind.

     By the time I returned to my hotel, it was almost 10.pm. It didn't seem that late since my body thought it was nearly four in the afternoon.

     Since I wasn't getting much sleep, I watched the news. I was glad to see nothing about my disappearance, let alone Alexandria in general.

     It was nearly 11:30 when my eyes shut. I remembered hearing my phone ring at some point but ignored it as sleep engrossed me to the dreamless abyss.