A strong breeze coming from the shore lifted the sandy blanket that stretched across the beach, basking in the blazing sun.
The same fiery orb that scans the horizon illuminates the islands that have tirelessly battled currents and erosion ceaselessly for millions of years.
Feathered creatures soared through the vast blue sky in search of food, fixing their gaze on the fishing boats, while their shrill cries echoed for kilometers around.
At the same time, a rush of cold, salty water crashed onto the shore and the towering cliffs, their rocky deposits cutting through the waves like sharpened blades.
This unique place illustrates the earth's natural power, a power that man will never have in his hands. However, some have used this power for conquest through sailing, as in the search for the New World.
Nevertheless, these same powers have been used for nefarious purposes such as war and slavery, and Italy is no exception. Although man may believe himself cunning and invincible, the sea often catches him by surprise, unbeknownst to him.
We are in the year 1643 after Christ. The era in which Italy finds itself is filled with cultural and artistic enrichment, commonly known as the Renaissance. This country, rich in history, is divided into several independent states governed by monarchy. Society remains hierarchical, with a distinction between the nobility, clergy, and commoners remaining unchanged.
My native village is located in Tuscany, in a region far from the major cities. News is scarce, and most villagers are closed to change, preferring to keep their problems to themselves.
As for me, I am a 15-year-old teenager, of average height, with black hair and red eyes. This appearance is perceived as a curse in my village. I believe it was this same misfortune that led my parents to abandon me after my birth. According to the elders, I am a child cursed by the devil himself. This village distrusts me, and every mishap is blamed on me.
Despite the sideways glances I receive at every street corner, the sandy beach is the only place not filled with disdain and judgment against me. This place is my sanctuary, the only place where I find moments of deep relaxation.
Every day, I dream of a better life where I am cherished as an important person, where I have a family that cares for me. I have done nothing to deserve the hatred of everyone.
Despite everyone's rejection, there is one person who does not care about my appearance, one person who has always been there for me. She is the only one who has reached out to me in difficult times. I want to protect her because she is important to me.
There are few people on earth who are open-minded, willing to risk their own happiness for others. Amelia is one of them.