Journal entry :July 14, 2026.
last night I finally fell asleep behind the walls of my “crystal castle in the skies above Finale Ligure”
Finally had a chance to do some work after being denied food for the weekend and being bounced between cities of Savona and Finale Ligure and again told to go to Savona where I was criminally threatened.
After Midnight
On the edge of sleeping I thought I heard the iron doors swing open in the chamber below.
I dismissed it as the wind which flowed all night.
I wake up! A bright light in my eyes!
Crap! I think it’s the cops but it’s impossible. I climbed uphill for 30 minutes before entering the abandoned castle and no roads nearby.
Sheep In Sheep’s Clothing
I try to shield my eyes from the flashlight and prepare my statement about why I am in Italy and wish to return home to America.
The voice from behind the flashlight is asking me why I sleep here. Speaking Italian,.
The legs below the flashlight are too young and another pair too the left are similar.
Out Of The Frying Pan
Now I think trouble because it’s no police!
Who is it and they don’t sound friendly. Demanding answer to question about me sleeping.
I don’t speak , Italian. Spanish?
They try to speak Spanish with me and finally lower the light because they are surprised I speak English.
Into The Fire
I realize it’s a couple kids out marauding and I offered to leave the castle for them.
They say no, is okay.
They leave. I stand up and step to the edge of the parapet to watch them drifting down the stairs.
I can hear them speaking. One of them is the older brother trying to reassure the younger.
The younger brother doesn’t seem convinced but they climb the castle wall to exit the same area I entered.
Afterward
Again I do not sleep. I am not worried about the kids coming back but who else is out there.