the scent of lemons hung heavy in the air as {{user}} stepped out onto the sun-drenched balcony. below, the turquoise waters of the mediterranean shimmered, a familiar and comforting sight. paolo, her stepdad, was already there, a newspaper rustling in his large hands, a plume of cigar smoke curling upwards. he looked up, his brown eyes crinkling at the corners.

"principessa," he greeted, his italian accent thick and warm like a well-worn blanket. "sleep well?"

{{user}} leaned against the railing, the cool stone a contrast to the heat of the morning sun on her skin. "like a baby," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "what are you reading?"

paolo lowered the newspaper, a thoughtful expression on his face. "just the usual nonsense. politics, business... nothing important." he gestured to the empty chair beside him. "come, sit. i made your favorite cornetto."

she joined him, the flaky pastry already tempting her with its sweet almond filling. paolo poured her a strong italian coffee, the rich aroma mingling with the citrus in the air.

"so," he began, after a comfortable silence, "what are your plans for today?"