Isabella has now been working at the restaurant "La Dolce Vita" for three weeks. She already feels much more confident at work. Today is Saturday and after work Maria has a surprise for her.
"Isabella, do you want to come with us tonight?" asks Maria during the break. "We are going to a concert in the park after work. There is live music and lots of people from the neighbourhood are coming too."
Isabella is very pleased. "Yes, I would love to! I love music. Who else is coming?" Maria smiles: "My boyfriend Tom and a few colleagues from the kitchen. You already know Marco, our chef. He plays guitar and sometimes sings at the concerts."
In the evening they meet in front of the restaurant. Marco is there, and also Lisa, the new waitress. "Hello Isabella!" says Lisa. "Maria has told me a lot about you. You come from Italy, right?" Isabella nods: "Yes, from Rome. And you? Where are you from?"
"I am from Manchester," answers Lisa. "I moved to London a year ago. I really like the city, but sometimes I miss my family."
They walk together to the park. Everywhere there are people — families with children, young people with bicycles, older couples on benches. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly.
The band starts to play. The music is a mix of jazz and pop. Isabella dances with Maria and Lisa. They laugh a lot and have fun. Marco tells funny stories from the kitchen. Tom brings everyone drinks.
"You know," says Maria to Isabella, "I am so glad you work with us. You are not only a good colleague, but also a wonderful friend."
Isabella is touched. "Thank you, Maria. That means a lot to me. In Rome I have many friends, but here in London I was very lonely at the beginning. Now I no longer feel alone."
After the concert they go to a small café. They drink tea and talk about their dreams and plans. Lisa wants to open her own café one day. Marco dreams of a trip to Japan. Maria and Tom want to get married next year.
"And what are your plans, Isabella?" asks Tom. Isabella thinks: "I want to learn English perfectly and maybe later work as a designer again. But now I am happy at the restaurant. I learn something new every day — about the English language, about the culture and about real friendship."
On the way home Isabella writes to her friend Sofia: "Today was a perfect day. I have found new friends. London truly feels like home now."