Man, what a day! I swear, Veggia-Villalunga is a wild ride. I woke up thinking it’d be just another boring Tuesday. Boy, was I wrong.
First off, I hit the streets of Via Roma. You know, the one with all the cafés? I needed my espresso fix. I’m talking about the good stuff, not that watered-down junk. So, I grab my cup, and boom! I spill it all over my shirt. Great start, right? I’m standing there, looking like a caffeinated mess.
Then, I get a call. It’s my partner, Luca. He’s all hyped up. “Dude, you gotta get to Piazza della Libertà. Something’s going down!” I’m like, “What now?” I chug the rest of my coffee and sprint. I mean, I’m not a marathon runner, but I can move when I need to.
When I get there, it’s chaos. A crowd’s gathered, and I see this guy, Marco, waving his arms like he’s conducting an orchestra. Turns out, he’s lost his dog. A little mutt named Pino. I can’t help but chuckle. I mean, who names their dog Pino? But hey, I get it. Dogs are family.
So, I join the search. We’re combing through the narrow alleys of Via delle Rose. I’m calling out, “Pino! Pino!” like I’m some kind of dog whisperer. And then, outta nowhere, I hear barking. My heart races. Is it Pino? Nope. Just a bunch of stray cats. Seriously, Veggia-Villalunga has more cats than people.
After an hour of searching, I finally spot Pino. He’s chilling under a bench at the Giardini Comunali. I’m like, “Dude, you had us worried!” Marco’s over the moon. I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. But then, I remember my shirt. Ugh.
Next, I head to Via del Mercato. I need to grab some lunch. I’m starving. I hit up this little trattoria. The owner, Nonna Rosa, is a legend. She makes the best pasta. I order her special, and while I’m waiting, I overhear some locals talking about a robbery at the old church.
I’m thinking, “Great, just what I need.” I finish my meal, and I’m out the door. The church is on Via San Giovanni. It’s a beautiful place, but today it’s surrounded by cops. I flash my badge and slip inside.
Inside, it’s a mess. The altar’s been ransacked. I’m fuming. Who robs a church? I start asking questions. The priest, Father Antonio, looks shaken. “They took the donation box,” he says. I can’t believe it. People are struggling, and these jerks take from the needy?
I’m piecing things together when I notice something shiny on the floor. A ring. Not just any ring—a family heirloom. I pocket it. This could be a clue.
As I’m leaving, I bump into an old lady. She’s got this wild look in her eyes. “You’re a detective, right?” she asks. I nod. “You gotta find my cat!” I’m like, “Lady, I just found a dog!” But I can’t say no.
So, I’m off again, this time to Via dei Gatti. I swear, if I see one more animal today… But I can’t help it. I love animals. After a bit of searching, I find the cat. It’s perched on a roof, looking down at me like I’m the fool.
Finally, I head home. I’m exhausted. My shirt’s a disaster, my head’s spinning, but I can’t help but smile. Veggia-Villalunga is crazy, but it’s my crazy. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As I crash on my couch, I think about the day. Dogs, cats, a robbery, and a million little moments. This city never sleeps, and neither do I. Tomorrow’s another day, and who knows what it’ll bring?