This Darren,” Chiara finally says as we approach…

““This Darren,” Chiara finally says as we approach Riomaggiore, still huddled under the bright umbrella. “Is he the same boy you told me about in Roma? The one you saw times two?” “Two times,” I correct, “and yes. Same guy.” She stops in her tracks. The rain’s still sheeting down, so I stop with her to keep as dry as possible. I slide my hand over my tote bag to check it. It’s just a little moist, not soaking wet. Yet. We really need to keep moving. “And he happened to be there when you were hurt?” Her wide eyes stare back into mine. “And he left. And he came back.” “Yes…” She places her free hand on my shoulder, our skin clammy from the humidity. “Can you not see?” I swallow hard. “You’re scaring me.” Her tone is serious. “Pippa. This is why you are here. Why you knew you must come here.” A shiver travels down my spine. Could that be? Did I feel the pull of Cinque Terre because I’d find Darren here again? “I know things,” Chiara continues, still looking me in the eye. “And I know that Darren is for you.” But there could be another reason I was led here. “Are you just saying that because you don’t want me with Bruno?” “Run from the truth all that you want. It always has a way of finding you.””

— Kristin Rae