CURASEPT.IT
Via Parini, 19
We often talk about the importance of oral health for physical, mental and social wellbeing. In this section, we’ve decided to tell you about it in a different way, using a narrative format that might be a little nostalgic, but which we believe is effective: a photo story!
We hope that by following the stories of the young people at Via Parini, 19, you will come to realise just how much oral health is a fundamental part of your overall health, but also a part of everyday life that carries deep meanings of care, attention and respect for oneself and others, and an opportunity for sharing, light-heartedness, joy and optimism.
1. Via Parini, 19: where it all begins
There is a story we want to tell; the story of a group of friends, ordinary people who face opportunities and challenges, have experiences and make decisions in the year 2026.
They are all different, with their own personalities, goals and desires, but they share one thing in common: their attitude to life.
Smiling, optimistic, kind, affectionate, attentive to the well-being of their families and friends, without ever forgetting or neglecting their own health.
Their stories revolve around Café Smile at ‘Via Parini, 19’, a place where they often meet, and in the flat where two of them, Mila and Elena, live, right on the first floor of the same building.
2026 will not only be the year in which they write an unforgettable chapter of their lives, but it will also be the year in which we discover their stories, following them step by step through a journey of friendship, challenges, opportunities and love.
This is the story of smiling, kind people, full of life and ready to face anything.
2. Mila: herself, always
Having moved from central Italy, Mila can finally live independently, just as she had always dreamed. Moving away and making a fresh start is always daunting, but Mila has always been resourceful and determined.
Sweet-natured and always smiling, Mila is ready to start her new life away from home and fulfil the dream she’s had for as long as she can remember: working in the fashion industry.
For Mila, the word ‘fashion’ carries a rainbow of meanings: for her, it means exploring her creativity, deepening connections with the people she meets along the way, giving free rein to her love of colours, and studying how the fabrics of clothes allow one to express oneself. Fashion is also a way of telling one’s own story and, above all—Mila’s favourite aspect—a way of expressing oneself, even if it sometimes means coming across as a bit quirky or unconventional.
Empathy is what makes Mila who she is today: someone capable of being herself, welcoming towards others, very sweet and protective of the people she cares about; discovering people’s souls and getting to know their true selves is, for her, a delightful challenge that brings only positive outcomes.
The real turning point for Mila, however, lies with her flatmate…
3. Elena and her routines
Elena has always lived by the rhythm of numbers. With a degree in Economics and Marketing, everything for her revolves around precision, percentages, and punctuality. Detail-oriented and highly organized, she is the one who plans outings and get-togethers with her group of friends, family reunions with her large extended family, and now the one coordinating everyday life with her best friend.
Elena has wanted a sister for as long as she can remember: she grew up with two cousins much older than her who always loved her dearly, but she always missed the kind of bond they shared. Few things have been so deeply desired, but for Elena, that sister who never arrived has always been a source of melancholy. Or rather, it was until she met Mila at university and they went on to live together; in Mila, Elena found a kindred spirit with whom to share her days, her hopes and her uncertainties.
For Elena, being meticulous is a way of life—something she applies to everything around her. She is the one who makes sure the fridge is full and that there is always fruit and vegetables in the house, that there are no empty containers left on the pantry shelves, that she notes down all the birthdays and reminds her friends to book appointments for their regular check-ups, knowing that prevention is the key to a healthy and fulfilling life.
Her days are always hectic and packed with commitments; work often leaves her no respite, and keeping up with such an exhausting pace is becoming really difficult, but there is one moment in particular that is sacred and untouchable to her: her morning routine. It doesn’t matter what season it is, what the weather is like or how warm it is. Elena wakes up early every day, goes for a long walk in the large park near her home and, before heading back inside to have a shower and rush off to work she stops for a fresh-squeezed juice and a hot coffee.
It is precisely when he sips it whilst it is still hot, almost always burning his tongue – the only time his meticulousness fails him – that he takes a moment to himself, reflecting on the events of the day gone by, on what lies ahead in the day before him and, above all, appreciating what he has. What he does not know is that something else special is about to enter his life…
4. Stories and cheers
Mila’s arrival was a turning point for Elena too. Their similar personalities make living together a unique, fun and exciting experience, which is why the months have flown by. Living together has taught them to make the most of life’s little rituals: a hot chocolate after a bad day, a slice of chocolate cake at Café Smile, a quiet stroll under the arcades, gazing with curiosity at the new items in the shop windows, and heart-to-heart conversations that echo within the apartment’s walls.
Living together and sharing personal space turned out to be much easier than expected: as an only child, Elena had always grown up without really knowing what it meant to share with someone her own age. Her parents had always given her time and space, letting her learn from her mistakes and giving her plenty of freedom, which allowed her to feel independent and become meticulous. Mila, on the other hand, grew up in close contact with her brother Ivan, whom she adores, but living with a friend is a completely different experience.
At the end of the day, while going through their evening routine before bed, they always find a moment to share with each other: they sit together on the edge of the bathtub and talk about their fears and dreams, support each other through moments of uncertainty, and celebrate each other’s successes…
In the bathroom, they also share their evening routine: from thorough brushing to untangle the knots in Elena’s beautiful red hair to using make-up remover to take off the coloured mascara, which Mila uses more to reflect her mood that day than to make herself look pretty. Meticulous oral hygiene is also part of the routine, something Elena always reminds everyone to do, so as not to overlook any aspect of their health.
One evening, the sound of a notification distracts Mila from the conversation. “It’s my brother Ivan,” she tells her friend. “He’s asking if he can stay here for a while.”
5. Strong roots for new horizons
Ever since Mila moved away, Ivan hasn’t missed a chance to ring her, ask how she’s getting on, and share the ins and outs of his daily life and updates on his career.
He misses the day-to-day routine and the playful squabbles with his sister, which is precisely why, when he’s offered an important interview in the city where Mila lives, he doesn’t let the chance to spend time with her slip by.
The two friends’ flat isn’t huge, but it’s cosy, and above all, he’s sure that the soft, comfortable sofa will be a great place to sleep for a while. The two have always been very protective of one another, a trait that some people in the past had mistakenly attributed to the fact that they were both adopted: the two young people, in fact, came to their families from China and Hungary when they were very young. In reality, Mila and Ivan, with just a year’s age difference between them and having grown up together for as long as they can remember, have always shared the sense of protection and close bond typical of siblings.
Spending these days together is important for both of us: if Ivan’s interview goes well, he could end up living in the Netherlands for as long as three years. It’s a real challenge, and the anxiety is setting in even though there’s still quite a while to go before the final interview.
“Thanks for putting me up for a while,” Ivan says to her one evening before hugging her.
Mila decides not to press her brother on his last remark, as she is sure that when the time is right, he will open up of his own accord.
Taking such a big step is never easy; Mila, for one, feels both proud of her little brother and sad when she thinks about the fact that he might be moving to another country for years. But today’s world is full of ways – often quick ones – to stay in touch and never lose sight of one another. And their bond certainly won’t fade because of the distance.
“Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
“I hope so; I really want that job.”
Mila encourages him: ‘Those with strong roots always find a way to bloom.’ In the meantime, what better way to take his mind off things than to accompany his sister to a fashion event?
6. Sketches and fears
“How did the event go?” Elena asks excitedly at Café Smile.
A great story can only be accompanied by a good coffee. Elena, observing Mila’s enormous smile, understands that the event went great, but she can’t wait to hear her friend’s point of view. Even though Ivan accompanied her, he’s very shy and couldn’t get any information from him, so she can only wait for her friend’s story. Mila loses herself in a liberating tale, traveling through the scenes of the fashion show she attended, recounting in detail all the innovative materials used and the incredible things she saw. Elena doesn’t know much about fashion, but seeing Mila happy is all that matters.
“I had my sketchbook with me, and the fashion show gave me incredible creativity!”
Mila never leaves that vital object alone; she carries it everywhere, maintaining that it’s impossible to predict the next wave of inspiration and that every moment is a good time to sketch something unique.
She dreams of one day launching her own designer collection. But for now, she’s content with having found a job she loves in the fashion industry, spending hours drawing and daydreaming about her future.
“Why don’t you seem convinced of something?” Elena asks at the end of the story.
She senses something strange in her friend’s tone, and she darkens as soon as she hears those words.
“During the breaks in the fashion show, I prepared a few sketches, but I didn’t realize I had the ‘Boss of Fashion’ sitting behind me.”
Elena looks at her, confused, but lets her friend vent without interruption.
“The ‘Boss of Fashion’ is a nickname we gave to the Creative Director of the News and Accessories section at the office. I’ve certainly told you about it: it’s the division that scouts emerging designers, proposes the following year’s new releases, and decides on communication projects with publishers.”
Elena, however, still isn’t clear on Mila’s intentions.
“When she noticed I was drawing, she gave me a cold look, as if it were a reproach for not having chosen the right moment… I’m very sorry because my hope was to be moved to that division in a while: I was planning to gain some experience where I am now and then ask for a transfer because that’s where most of the creative and innovative work takes place!”
The story, indeed, seems to contain some critical elements for Mila, but Elena chooses to focus on the glass half full and let her see all the positive aspects of the day.
Mila has no idea what awaits her in the immediate future.
7. A Race Against Memories
Ivan is a sporty lad; he loves going for a run and cycling through the countryside where he grew up. Early morning is his favourite time for exercising, and, taking advantage of the fact that Mila and Elena’s flat is close to a large green park that vaguely reminds him of home, this becomes the setting for his long runs with music blaring in his ears.
It is precisely this passion that allows him to bump into Elena several times during his training, as she goes about her morning walk. Both adore their own routines, which is why they don’t get in each other’s way during their sporting activities, but when they pass each other, they both smile spontaneously to encourage their friend’s exercise.
In recent days they have bumped into each other more often than usual, and so Ivan, a shy lad who needs quite a while to warm to people he doesn’t know well, plucks up the courage to ask her if she knows of a gym nearby where he can train.
As he is only staying for a short while, he has left his beloved bicycle at home, but cycling is his outlet and he is looking for an indoor place where he can do it. Furthermore, Ivan was careful to omit the fact that he had left his home village in a great hurry due to some heart-related issues that had arisen along the way, and of which he had never mentioned a word to anyone, not even his sister Mila, his confidante and best friend.
Given the speed with which he packed his bags and booked a one-way train ticket, the last thing on his mind at the time was retrieving his bicycle and taking it with him, but now he regrets it.
Elena, always keen to welcome the chance to do activities with new people, takes the opportunity to invite him to the class taking place at her gym that afternoon.
The two discovered not only that they were potential great friends, but also that they shared a passion: a love of sport.
When Mila finds out about this, she is pleasantly impressed, so much so that she occasionally joins in on those occasions.
It is precisely during this ‘run’ in the park together that a chance encounter takes place which could change Mila’s career…
8. Sliding Doors in a tracksuit
Mila wouldn’t exactly call herself a sporty sort, which is why she’s always surprised by the number of people who go for a run in the park every morning, but she’s keen to get some exercise, if only to spend a bit more time with Elena and her brother while she’s still in Italy. She usually starts off running alongside Elena and Ivan, but then gives in and lets the two carry on on their own, switching to a gentle jog or even a relaxing walk; all the while looking forward to meeting Elena for a post-‘run’ juice at Café Smile.
That Saturday, however, fate had other plans for her: Mila had learnt to recognise some of the regulars at the park, but one face struck her more than the others: someone she’d seen before, but who had seemed utterly out of place in that setting.
No! After the run, at Café Smile with Elena, just thinking back on that encounter makes her heart pound in her chest. Elena looks at her with wide eyes and burning curiosity, but she still needs to process what she’s been through, which is why she finds herself building up the suspense in the story without even meaning to.
‘As soon as I realised who was in front of me, running in the opposite direction to me, I tried to spot you, but you were nowhere to be seen!’
Mila could feel her heart pounding in her throat, and she was sure it wasn’t due to physical exertion—she was just walking now; not to mention her mouth, which had gone dry instantly, and her cheeks, which had turned burgundy. Too many scenarios had flashed through her mind, but she had no idea how to react: should she pretend nothing had happened or say hello? But what a fool she’d look if she didn’t recognise her? Yet, at the same time, how could she not recognise her after the embarrassing incident at the fashion event and the icy glare she’d given her?
‘Did you bump into the “Fashion Boss” in the park?’ asks Elena with a smile.
‘Exactly! She was running in the opposite direction to me.’
‘And what did you do?’ asks Elena incredulously.
‘What was I supposed to do? I started running to catch up with her!’
‘You’re completely mad,’ replies Elena, hugging her and laughing.
“Not only was I running, but I also started talking, introduced myself, and apologised for the drawings during the fashion show. I kept talking until I was practically out of breath, and she turned towards me and…”
“And what?!” Elena presses her.
“And she took off her headphones, looked at me and asked why I was following her. She hadn’t heard a word.”
Elena looks at her, somewhere between amused and sorry for her friend’s wasted effort, but it is just then that Mila, who has caught her breath a little in the meantime, lights up.
“As luck would have it, I must have struck a chord with her, because she let me repeat myself. I explained that I admire her work and that I’d really like to be transferred to her division if a position opened up and… she told me she likes my enthusiasm, that positions might open up soon and that she’ll interview me!”
This is one of those ‘Sliding Doors’ moments that Elena loves so much, and being the planner that she is, she can’t help but say to her friend straight away: “Fantastic, now you’ve got to prepare as best you can! If you like, I’ll help you this afternoon.”
9. Ready-to-wear anxiety
Mila is about to face a busy day: the interview with the ‘Fashion Boss’ is too important and is making her a bit anxious.
The days leading up to it passed quietly, filled with almost chance encounters at Café Smile, long conversations, introductions and friendship. She, however, has done nothing but dwell on how best to prepare for the interview. She has tried to analyse every single aspect, nuance and line of conversation, imagining far too many plausible – and implausible – scenarios. Every little obstacle seems to throw her into a tailspin: she has tried on dozens of outfits, turning the whole room upside down.
Once she’s found an outfit that seems tailor-made for her and the importance of the meeting, she just can’t make up her mind about which accessories to wear. These are all choices that seem superficial from the outside, but she knows they matter to the Boss and they’re proving difficult for her – for someone who always uses fashion to express herself boldly – because of the anxiety she’s feeling.
Elena has helped her get ready and in her bag she has the portfolio with all the work she’d like to show the Boss; she could switch off and focus on breakfast, but now that the day has arrived, Mila can’t take her mind off the meeting and all her thoughts are focused on it. She rehearses her opening speech in her head and checks at least ten times that the sketchbook is in her bag, and then, finally, she allows herself a moment of relaxation with Ivan.
Ivan, realising the situation and aware that his sister has been talking of nothing else for days, rushes to her aid: he suggests she try speaking aloud about what’s troubling her, and she tries to explain how she feels, but a lump in her throat and a dry mouth prevent her from expressing herself as she’d like. This is precisely what worries her: not being able to give her best.
‘You don’t have to be perfect, Mila, you just need to be yourself,’ he tells her with brotherly love as he prepares her breakfast.
After this exchange and more than a few encouraging smiles, Mila finds her courage and faces the day with her trademark smile.
She can’t wait to return in the evening and hopes to have some good news to share…
10. A complete disaster
Elena, sitting at Café Smile, is looking through her diary to organise her week’s schedule. Mid-thought, she is interrupted by the bell above the front door, signalling a new arrival. As she is eagerly awaiting Mila, curious to know how the meeting with the ‘Fashion Boss’ went, she looks up abruptly. The first thing she cannot help but notice is the state of the jacket Mila had carefully chosen that morning: a huge coffee stain has soaked into the fabric, leaving a mark that is impossible to ignore. She rushes towards her friend, full of concern, but her apprehension quickly fades as she sees a look of pure joy in Mila’s eyes.
“You won’t believe it.” That’s Mila’s greeting as she strides towards her friend.
“Tell me everything,” Elena replies, laughing.
It often happens that Mila is a bit distracted, or clumsy, and that she makes a bit of a mess of things during the day. Precisely for this reason, Elena isn’t surprised to see the stain, but she deeply admires her friend for remaining smiling and calm even when these little mishaps happen to her.
Mila immediately launches into a monologue centred on coffee and her knack for spilling it everywhere. That’s exactly how it went that morning: with her arms too full of fragile or delicate items, she lost her balance and, in a bid to save her laptop, her sketchbook and her two phones – her personal one and her work one – she gripped them too tightly, causing the cup containing her takeaway cappuccino to burst and staining her entire dress. All this just five minutes before her interview.
Anyone else would have fretted and felt discouraged by this minor mishap, but Mila has a remarkable ability to stay optimistic and thought, ‘After this, at least the interview has to go well!’. This thought put her in a relaxed frame of mind, and so she turned up for the interview calm and self-assured, despite her pitiful state: clearly a winning move, judging by her satisfied smile.
The calm that this simple incident had brought her was indescribable: it had allowed her to process the meeting even before it took place.
“I managed to show her my work and explain what I do without any anxiety and without my mouth going dry – you’ve no idea what she offered me!”
“What? Don’t keep me in suspense!” Elena presses her.
“He told me he wants to make a formal request to move me to his department: in exactly one month’s time I’ll be transferred to my dream job! Elena, I feel it’s also thanks to you and Ivan and those exhausting trips to the park,” adds Mila. “If I hadn’t pushed myself out of my comfort zone, it would never have happened. At the very least, karma must be bringing good things to you and Ivan now too.”
Elena smiles at Mila’s constant enthusiasm and teases her good-naturedly about this attitude, which she finds impractical and a bit naive, but secretly hopes that deep down she’s right. Not that there’s anything specific wrong with her life, but she feels that sometimes everyday life is a bit flat and too routine even for her, perhaps even monotonous.
11. Strong roots, fragile thoughts
Life together is going wonderfully well. The little bubble of happiness that has formed at 19 Via Parini is an oasis of peace, laughter and shared moments. The three young people find they are incredibly much on the same wavelength, but what surprises them most is their ability to switch from a moment of laughter to a deep conversation about life and the anxieties it brings.
“I don’t feel ready to face the series of interviews over the coming weeks,” says Ivan one evening, in the midst of the evening routine the three friends have started following together.
“Why not?” asks Elena sincerely.
Ivan doesn’t open up easily, which prompts his sister and friend to prick up their ears and wait patiently for him to get things off his chest.
“I can’t quite put it into words. Even though I know I’m prepared, there’s something that’s stopping me from feeling as confident as I’d like to be going into the whole selection process.”
“You’re ready and prepared. If they’ve chosen you from among the candidates, it’s because they’ve seen something unique in you, just like the role that’s just become available,” replies Mila, trying to reassure her brother. It’s incredible how their roles often reverse. “Remember what Grandma always used to say: “Those with strong roots always find a way to flourish.”
Ivan smiles and carries on flossing. He feels something in his heart that he can’t quite put into words—something that, when shared, seems considerably smaller and less frightening, but which, at the same time, once he’s alone again, weighs heavily on him once more.
He knows there’s much more to it than just work, so many details he isn’t telling the two girls to avoid worrying them, and he knows he can’t carry on like this forever, but he wants to try and tackle one problem at a time, even if it means suffering a little longer.
Ivan, however, doesn’t seem to be the only one lost in thought that evening.
Elena, always mindful of prevention and the health of those around her, often finds herself having to tell off the two brothers as they play around with toothpaste and mouthwash and cleaning up the sticky bathroom countertop, but she soon ends up joining in and laughing like she’s never done before.
This evening, however, she is determined to talk to them about something that’s been nagging at her; she needs to tell them about an encounter she had that morning that she can’t get out of her head, but for some reason she can’t yet explain, she hasn’t found the courage to bring it up.
Ivan’s worries, however, and the desire to reassure him as best they can, take centre stage, prompting her to postpone the story until another time.
But who did Elena meet? And what is Ivan hiding from the two girls?
Please note, we’re taking a short break!
The next chapter will be out on 3rd July… don’t miss it!
12. Slaps and mouthwashes
Thanks to her meticulous nature, every morning of Elena’s is planned down to the smallest detail so as never to fall behind on her schedule; but on that particular day, when she absolutely has to pop into the chemist’s before heading to work, everything seems to be moving at a snail’s pace.
She hurries through the door, busy thinking about which route would be best to take once she’s out to save a few more minutes’ delay, but when she looks up, she finds a seemingly endless queue stretching between her and the pharmacy counter.
She can already imagine the telling-off her boss will give her if she’s even a minute late for work, and her despondency grows. A huge sigh escapes the girl’s lips, but as she begins to look around, hoping that time will pass as quickly as possible, she spots a display on a nearby shelf featuring her beloved mousse mouthwash, which she’s been using to protect her tooth enamel ever since she started running seriously. In the frenzy of the moment, she lunges towards the fated mouthwash without realising that, at that very same moment, someone else is making the exact same move with the exact same intention.
The result of their shared eagerness is that their hands collide; as they are knocked off course by the impact, both are sent flying away from their target, and Elena ends up accidentally slapping the unfortunate lad in the face. Elena blushes immediately and realises she has just hit a tall lad, who smiles at her to reassure her and indicate that what has happened is no big deal. She is enchanted by that gesture which, even without the use of words, has just given her a sense of confidence and calm that she cannot explain, despite the embarrassing moment she has just caused.
“I’m sorry,” she manages to find the courage to say. “I’m terribly late; that mouthwash is my favourite and I rushed over to grab it.”
He, without ever stopping smiling or breaking eye contact, takes a step back and points to the packet with a nod.
“Go on, take it – I was just curious,” he replies with a smile. “I was having a look whilst I was queuing, but I’m not a dental hygiene fanatic; I don’t even use mouthwash, to be honest.”
Elena struggles to resist the temptation to lecture the young man on the importance of proper oral hygiene and gets back in the queue. However, his kindness and smile have drawn her in like a magnet; she turns to speak to him again, but he is talking to an elderly lady to whom he has given up his place in the queue.
Meanwhile, the calendar on her work phone is nagging her – she’s really running late! – the chemist at the counter calls her over; it’s finally her turn: she really must go.
13. @thepharmacyguy
Sitting on the sofa at Café Smile, each sipping her own drink, Elena and Mila manage to have a long catch-up chat, the sort they hadn’t had for a few days. Living together is wonderful, but lately there have been changes in everyone’s routines that have meant they’ve been seeing each other less than usual and haven’t been able to tell each other everything: Ivan has been busy studying for the first stage of the selection process for the job he so badly wants; Mila, after her infamous interview with the “Fashion Boss”, has seen various opportunities open up before her that are keeping her busier than ever; Elena, on the other hand, has been swallowed up by an insane workload and has spent what little free time she’s had thinking about the lad from the chemist’s and how much she regretted not managing to catch him.
Now, however, the time has finally come to talk about it with Mila: she’s sorry that Ivan isn’t there, but he uses every spare hour to study or train and she didn’t want to disturb him over such a trivial matter. She promises herself she’ll find the time in the coming days to talk to him about it too, but right now she really needs her best friend’s advice.
“You’ve been looking pensive these past few days,’ Mila says, unconsciously highlighting the deep bond between them. ‘Has something happened to upset you?”
Elena sets her cup down on the table opposite and turns to her friend. “To tell you the truth, yes. I haven’t mentioned it to you because I think it’s silly, but I could do with some advice.”
Mila mirrors her friend’s posture and gestures for her to carry on. Elena then tells her about the morning she met the mysterious lad in the chemist’s, though she can’t provide any more details beyond what happened and the reassuring smile he gave her.
“How can I find him again?” she asks her friend. “Should I look for him on Instagram?”
“Hmm… by searching for @pharmacyboy?” Mila jokes good-naturedly to make her friend smile. “If only,” she continues, this time trying to come up with the right advice, “he’s a regular at the chemist’s, and if you go back there at other times, you might see him again.”
Elena thinks it over thoughtfully. “I don’t think he’s from round here… I’ve lived here for many years, the shop’s near our house and I’ve never seen him before, not even in the park.”
“Maybe he’s just moved here,” replies Mila, always ready to find a positive outlook for those around her so that they don’t lose hope.
“You’re right,” replies Elena. But as someone who loves numbers and calculating probabilities, she never sees things from just one perspective. “Or he’s here on holiday. Or perhaps he’s just moved in with his new girlfriend and that’s why he’s in the area, isn’t it? Or…”
“There’s no point in coming up with too many theories,” Mila says gently, before patting her on the shoulder and trying to distract her. “What do you say, instead of going to the park, we go for a run around that chemist’s over the next few mornings? If the lad lives nearby, we’re bound to bump into him; if not… we’ll just let fate take its course.”
14. The post-it thief
The good mood Elena has been in all day – having found the courage to open up to Mila about their meeting the previous week – makes her feel much lighter and stays with her right through to the evening. Nothing can dampen it, not even the fact that she’s once again left work late because of a meeting that went on longer than expected. It’s the sort of good mood that makes you fully appreciate life’s blessings and everything you have – a mood sparked by a simple gesture that fills your heart with gratitude. As she walks briskly towards the flat, where she knows Mila and Ivan are waiting for her with dinner already ready, she is struck by a thought.
A delicious scent of chocolate cake wafts from Café Smile, and what better occasion to pop in and buy some to share with her flatmates whilst she tells Ivan about the mysterious lad from the chemist’s, so they can start planning their morning runs around the area where she first saw him? Elena has given Mila’s suggestion a lot of thought, and it’s probably the best option. She has no other way of finding him except to leave it to chance, given that she doesn’t even have his contact details and, above all, she’s hopeless at tracking people down via social media.
With a smile on her lips at the mere thought of the evening ahead, she opens the door to Café Smile and lets herself be enveloped by the gentle chatter and the increasingly delicious scent of chocolate cake.
She approaches the counter and orders half a cake to take away for her friends; whilst waiting for her order to be ready, she sits on the sofa at Café Smile and makes the most of the peace and quiet in the café, which is now close to closing time, to update her diary and jot down some of the thoughts that have been on her mind throughout the day.
Suddenly, the front door of Café Smile swings open and a familiar figure makes her eyes widen. It’s not just any customer walking through the door, and she’s certain of it when she takes a good look at the young man’s eyes – just as it’s impossible to forget that smile. The lad from the chemist’s from last week! When he spots her, he wastes no time and strides over to her “It’s impossible not to notice your red hair.” That’s how the young man greets her before sitting on the edge of the armchair next to Elena, careful not to invade her personal space. “I didn’t have time to introduce myself last week: I’m Fabio.”
“Fabio. What a lovely name,” is Elena’s first thought as he holds out his hand to her. Only after a few seconds, however, does she realise she hasn’t introduced herself in return, and she awkwardly makes amends. The two manage to have a quick chat before Elena’s order is ready and the waiter calls her over to the counter. A mutual curiosity immediately arises between them, one of those feelings that makes you feel you’re in the right place at the right time. A subtle energy creeps between them, and Fabio wastes no time when he realizes their meeting is drawing to a close once more: “I know you have to go, but I’ll leave you my number,” he begins, nodding towards the pen and Post-it notes Elena is holding. “I don’t want to put any pressure on you, but if you fancy a coffee, I’d really love that!”
When Fabio finishes writing and hands the note to the girl, she hurries to tuck it carefully into the Curasept Travel she always carries with her, making sure she won’t lose it.
It’s only when she gets home that she realizes something… she’s stolen his whole pad of Post-it notes!
15 - Outfit emergency (part 1)
«I can’t believe you ran into him again right here!» Mila exclaims by way of greeting as she enters Cafè Smile and sits down next to her friend.
When Elena returned home the previous evening, right after seeing the mysterious guy from the chemist’s again—whose name she now knows to be Fabio—she found only Ivan waiting for her. Mila was at a fashion event, so Elena only filled him in, telling the story from the beginning, before sending Mila a message about what had happened.
The following day, Saturday, Mila has a busy day ahead: for a long time she has had a visit planned to an exhibition dedicated to the history of fashion, but she is willing to arrive a bit late to spend some time with Elena. So, they meet for breakfast: at last she can tell her everything in person over pastries and coffee.
Elena launches straight into the story, quoting the conversation in minute detail and careful not to miss a single bit. She finishes by explaining that Fabio left her his phone number.
«And what did you do? You’ve already texted him, haven’t you?» asks Mila, beside herself with joy, celebrating her friend’s adventures as if they were her own.
«Not yet… I don’t really know how to strike up the conversation, to tell you the truth».
Mila opens her eyes wide and makes herself more comfortable on the sofa.
«We need to fix that right away, come on!».
Elena feels her heart rate speed up in her chest, but she also senses deep down that it’s the right thing to do. She opens her handbag and pulls out her oral hygiene pouch; it’s right there – in the little box of the Curasept Travel set for when she’s travelling or at work – that she put Fabio’s number to be certain not to lose or ruin it. Besides, how old-fashioned is writing a number on a piece of paper, now that she thinks back on it?
Mila smiles, looking at the tidiness and attention to detail that characterise her friend, who carries the kit in her bag even if she just goes downstairs for breakfast; they are so different! She certainly doesn’t know that soon that set will prove even more useful…
Elena opens the kit and, under Mila’s thrilled gaze, saves the number in her contacts and opens the empty chat, simply staring at the profile circle containing Fabio’s picture.
«What should I write?» she asks her friend.
«That you’d like to have that famous coffee with him, wouldn’t you?» replies Mila, chuckling.
«Tell him yes!» Mila squeals excitedly.
«How can I? I’m not ready to meet him in ten minutes, I wouldn’t have time to go upstairs and change, I’m practically in pyjamas!» replies Elena, gesturing to her whole outfit with a theatrical flourish.
What is that mild panic she feels at the thought of seeing Fabio? After all, it’s just a coffee, but she is a meticulous girl with a schedule to keep, and things rarely deviate from her routine.
«Hey, are you forgetting your best friend’s number one reason for living?» Mila says, trying to sound as offended as possible.
16. Outfit emergency (part 2)
«Fashion?» asks Elena, trying to answer her friend’s rhetorical question regarding her purpose in life.
Trusting her blindly, she presses send and confirms with Fabio.
«Not to mention that you are always, and I mean always, gorgeous, if you give me five minutes and the contents of your entire bag, I can make you look fantastic for your first date. And, right after, we’ll go to the restroom and swap clothes!».
Mila doesn’t give Elena time to answer, she combs her hair with her hands to tidy it up and smoothes her eyebrows with her fingers, trying to recreate a neat, styled look even without gel, gently pats her cheeks to highlight her beautiful freckles, and checks her hands to inspect her nails.
«Perfect» she tells her with a smile.
«You think so?» asks Elena, skeptical.
«Of course! You just need to get rid of that bit of pastry stuck between your teeth!» she replies, laughing.
«What were you waiting for to tell me?» mumbles Elena.
«Come on, it’ll only take you a second, you always have Picks in your bag!». She then finds a lip balm, which she uses to add one more touch of brightness to her lips.
«Alright, we have five minutes to swap clothes and, speaking only for myself, disappear».
17. Pull Up a Chair
After texting Fabio and having that famous coffee together, the two kept getting to know each other.
After days spent texting back and forth, they planned several dates, each going better than the last.
Elena, confident and hopeful, feels deep down that the time has come to introduce him to her friends. Ivan’s interviews went well; he’s passing the selection rounds, and the final ones are approaching. If everything goes smoothly, his departure will become official. Mila, on the other hand, has finally started working for the “Fashion Boss” and will have less and less free time.
While things are still calm, she sees the perfect opportunity to introduce him to her friends.
Things between them are going really well; Fabio is sweet, thoughtful, always caring toward others, and in many ways, the two are complementary.
When she suggests meeting her friends, he gladly accepts. He knows how much they mean to Elena, plus he’s aware they are her roommates, and he feels ready to take that first step with her too.
From Fabio’s perspective as well, his relationship with Elena is going swimmingly—sometimes so well that it feels almost imaginary or detached from reality.
Unpacking grocery bags with her, he can’t stop looking at her and thinking about how lucky he is.
When, a week after their bump-in, he caught sight of a mane of red hair just like hers on the couch at Café Smile, he seized the opportunity to avoid losing sight of her again and rushed into the bar to check if it was really her.
And it worked, because right there, in Elena’s kitchen, busy unpacking the pharmacy bag filled with products she thoughtfully bought for everyone, he realizes he is living the most beautiful story of his life.
He has always been quite impulsive in life, but since meeting Elena, he hasn’t been able to think about anything else. He’s careful not to make a single wrong move and, for once, takes his time to do everything calmly, following her lead.
Everything seems ready for dinner that evening. Fabio offered to cook, while Elena will offer the best support she can in the kitchen: that of an expert taste-tester.
In the time they spend together, the two young people find themselves having long conversations, spanning a wide variety of topics.
«They’ll be here any minute,» Elena announces excitedly, referring to her friends’ arrival.
18 - Two pieces of news from Café Smile
Fabio’s introduction to the group went wonderfully: he’s made friends where Elena sees her second family, and things between them, thanks in part to this, are going from strength to strength.
Saturday night outs, group sessions at Café Smile where they exchange constant updates, and Elena’s introduction to Fabio’s friends and sister. Every moment is a good opportunity to forge a closer bond between the two, and they’ve managed to find the right balance between friends, family, and their relationship, careful not to overlook any aspect.
Things with Fabio are going so well that Elena is managing to not think about work, but the situation is increasingly burdensome, and in the silence of her room, she occasionally checks out the job openings in the area, though never with much conviction.
Mila, for her part, is happy with her new position, which could represent a significant boost for her career. This newfound knowledge has also allowed her not to dwell too much on her brother’s imminent departure, which she finds increasingly strange as the interview approaches: what doesn’t make sense to her is that he almost seems melancholy, often reflecting and brooding. She’s now certain that there’s something Ivan isn’t saying, that has nothing to do with his possible departure, but she doesn’t feel like pressuring him, especially at such a delicate moment in his life. If he’s still not confiding in her, he surely has good reasons.
The two girls meet at the Café Smile after work, both ready to share the upcoming changes.
“I have news!” they say in unison at the same time before bursting into laughter at the perfect timing and choice of words.
They both order tea, a worthy companion to the good news, then sit on their usual sofa and try to urge the other to leave first.
“You first!” Again at the same time.
“Okay, I’m going…” says Elena. “Fabio asked me to officially get together.”
“What wonderful news, it’s about time!” Mila hugs her friend tightly, truly happy to hear those words.
She liked Fabio right away and couldn’t wish for anything better: he’s sweet, helpful, and embodies that touch of impulsiveness Elena needed to balance her meticulous, mathematical mind. Thanks to him, she’s able to let go a little more, to break free from her usual patterns and appreciate it when she does. He’s helping her discover new sides of herself that make her increasingly happier, and Mila couldn’t help but love it.
“The ‘Fashion Boss’ has entrusted me with the search for one of the season’s new accessories!” Now it’s Elena’s turn to hug her friend tightly, proud of the career she’s managing to forge in a challenging and competitive world. She knows her talent is truly beyond the pale, but knowing that others are recognizing her qualities and that she’s succeeding makes her beyond belief.
“Congratulations! Now we really need to celebrate.”
And they don’t know that the exciting things are just beginning…
19 - The mouthwash of destiny
After dinner with all their friends, Elena invites Fabio to stay the night, given the severe thunderstorm blocking the streets of the metropolis they live in.
Elena opens her cabinet containing all the products needed for a proper evening routine to grab a new toothbrush for Fabio; he steps up behind her, and just as he is standing right there, his eyes land on a bottle of mousse mouthwash peeking out from a half-open drawer. The package is clearly empty: the slightly worn, familiar label is identical to that of a new bottle Elena is currently using, neatly arranged on the bathroom shelf. What is that useless empty bottle doing hidden in a drawer? Fabio recognizes the mouthwash.
«Is that what I think it is?» he asks.
Elena instantly understands what he’s referring to and smiles back. «It’s the very one; I just couldn’t bring myself to throw it away,» she replies, a bit embarrassed as she looks at the empty mouthwash bottle—the very thing responsible for their first encounter.
«Who would have thought that even rational, meticulous Elena could give in to romance and keep an empty bottle?» Fabio teases her gently.
«Well, in a way, it’s thanks to that bottle that we bumped into each other and are here today…» Elena parries, blushing.
«Of course,» Fabio smiles, amused by the always ultra-rational Elena’s blush, softly stroking her back. «I really do understand what you mean.»
«Thanks for appreciating my “health-conscious” romanticism,» Elena laughs before putting the right amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush.
«Why do you put so little?» Fabio asks, confused.
«It’s not little at all, quite the opposite. The right amount of toothpaste is the size of a green pea.»
«I had no idea… thanks for the tip. I bought the mouthwash matching the toothpaste you’re using right now, though I have to confess I’m not really a guy for these things.»
Elena, always attentive to the overall health of everyone around her, perks up her ears, her senses going on high alert.
«It is essential to use mouthwash in addition to toothpaste, not to mention the importance of using dental floss and interdental brushes,» she replies in all seriousness.
He smiles sheepishly, making a mental note to stop by the pharmacy and buy as many products as possible.
«I will, even though I’m not really sure what to get.»
Elena retrieves several toothpastes and mouthwashes and starts having Fabio sample them, explaining the specific benefits of each product.
«I have a soft spot for these kinds of products, but taking care of yourself is the first step to feeling good about yourself and with others. I can come with you to buy them when you go.»
«I’d love that… You’re really special, you know that?» Fabio tells her before pulling her close and wrapping her in an embrace that completely enfolds her.
In his embrace, Elena feels safe and right at home.
20 - Ginger, Chamomile, and Holland
For Ivan, the big day has finally arrived: he has reached the end of the selection process. In just a few hours, he will have the decisive interview that will determine either his relocation to Holland or his permanent return home.
Ivan really hopes he can get the job and have a change of scenery, even though three years seem like an eternity to him. He is feeling so many different emotions all at once, all surfacing at the same time, that he can’t rationalize any of them.
The result of this process is a growing stomach ache accompanied by persistent acid reflux that gives him no peace, causing him even more anxiety due to the fear of having to face the interview with this discomfort.
His sister Mila has already left for work, as has Elena, and he really feels the need to vent to one of them, to open up once and for all and explain all the things he would truly like to talk about. He noticed that both of them realized something was wrong, but they respected his silence, leaving it to him to make the first move.
For Ivan, however, it’s not easy, and the more days go by, the less comfortable he feels talking about it.
In this endless loop of problems that are eating away so much of his energy, both physical and mental, he sees Fabio, Elena’s boyfriend, emerge from her room. He stayed over for the night due to the thunderstorm the previous evening, and although Ivan still hasn’t figured out what job he does, he realizes he has the day off.
Even though they haven’t known each other for very long, he can certainly consider him a friend—which immediately makes Fabio realize that something is wrong with Ivan.
«Are you okay? I know you have an important interview coming up,» Fabio asks him.
«I have a stomach ache and a sort of persistent reflux; I don’t know how to make it go away, I’m not very experienced with these things.»
«Do you have any ginger and chamomile somewhere?» Fabio then asks. «I know it might sound like an old wives’ remedy, but I can guarantee it works.»
Ivan gathers all the requested ingredients, and Fabio starts preparing an herbal tea that makes Ivan feel better shortly after.
«Try to focus on the positive things, it’s a way to cope better with the situation. I know it’s not easy, but the stomach ache won’t completely go away unless you manage to calm down,» Fabio explains understandingly.
Ivan smiles at him, not overly convinced, and his friend starts talking about various topics, trying to distract him as much as possible before the decisive interview.
Ivan relaxes a bit listening to his friend’s advice and thinks that herbal teas and home remedies probably work because they are accompanied by the affection and comforting words of the person preparing them.
21 - The Sibling Routine
«How are you feeling?» Mila asks gently.
It’s their last evening together: Ivan, perhaps partly thanks to Fabio’s support and his herbal tea that managed to settle his stomach, succeeded in completing the selection process with excellent results, and tomorrow he leaves for his three years in Holland. Mila still can’t quite grasp the magnitude of it: she’s bursting with pride for her brother, yet at the same time sad at the thought of him leaving, feeling so many contrasting emotions all at once.
But above all, she is grateful to Elena and Fabio for giving them an evening all to themselves. The couple went out under the pretext of having a romantic date, but Mila knows deep down in her heart that her friend was well aware of wanting to give the two siblings the time they needed to say goodbye and process everything.
Mila already plans to visit her brother during the first long weekend available, but she knows she also needs to give him time to settle in and get acclimatized, and above all, grant him the space to shine, just as he did when she moved.
«I still have to get used to the idea of going so far away, but I’m really happy to start this new adventure,» Ivan replies.
«I’m so proud of you, Ivan! You’re making all your dreams come true, and there’s nothing more beautiful than that.»
Ivan hugs her without saying a word. The two siblings don’t need words; they share a connection that goes beyond everything, putting them so much on the same wavelength that they always feel right next to each other.
That’s why Mila never pried into the reason for Ivan’s early arrival, nor did she ever pressure him to open up about something he wanted to keep deep down in his heart. She knows that if it had been something serious, he would have faced it with her; she imagines instead that it’s something so intimate he still needs time to process it himself.
«Thank you for welcoming me, and thank Elena for everything on my behalf,» Ivan says, trying to keep his voice as steady as possible. «Without your support, I never would have made it.»
«That’s not true, you would have made it anyway. Your life might have taken different paths and turns, but at your core, it’s always you.»
«Those with strong roots will always find a way to bloom,» they repeat together, reciting the phrase their grandmother used to say to both of them during tough times.
«And remember, Ivan, no matter what happens, don’t hesitate to text or call me. I’m here for you, and I always will be,» Mila reassures him.
«The same goes for you, sis. I’ll always be there, regardless of my geographic location.»
They start their evening oral hygiene routine without uttering another word, just like when they were kids: one last ritual before going to sleep and drifting off, each into their own bed and their own dreams.
«I love you, Mila, never forget that,» Ivan finally says before heading to his room.
He still feels a heaviness in his chest for not having confessed to Mila the biggest secret his heart holds, but perhaps distance will be the push he needs to open up.
