I’m pathetic. Standing in an empty cottage, smelling the hint of her leftover perfume.
I turn to go, and that’s when I see it.
There, on the floor by the couch, catching the light.
An earring.
Small. Gold. One that probably has a match somewhere in Italy.
I pick it up and study it like it holds answers.
It doesn’t.
But now I’m thinking about her losing it, taking them off after that first long day, too tired to notice one rolling away. I’m imagining her in Italy, reaching for her earrings, finding only one.
“This is insane,” I tell the empty room.
I pocket the earring anyway.
Back at my house, I pour more scotch and open my laptop.
I type:Is it crazy to fly to Italy to return an earring?
Delete.
I type:Found something that belongs to someone in Italy. Worth returning?
Delete.
I pour more scotch.
I navigate over to Reddit.
I create a new post.
Title: Need Advice pls
Body: Would I be crazy if I flew to Italy to return jewelry to a woman who was only temporarily in my life but left me questioning everything?
I stare at it.
I post it to r/relationships.
The responses come in fast.
[thisdude]: BRO. YES. FLY TO ITALY. NOW.
[cottagecore_cynic]: If you don’t go, you’ll regret it forever. Speaking from experience.
[ladyinred]: This is rom-com stuff, and I’m here for it. UPDATE US.
[Bageldad]: Life’s short. Flights are long. But regret lasts forever. Book the ticket.
[cottagecore_cynic]: Dude, asking Reddit means you already know the answer.
[hyperforty]: What’s the worst that could happen? She says thanks, and you see Italy? GO.
[Bageldad]: I flew to Japan for a girl once. Married for 12 years now. YOLO.
