Giulia Petrucci

It all started because of a pigeon. Not just any pigeon—a bold, demonic, pasta-stealing monster of a pigeon that lives in the piazza near our school in Bologna, Italy. Every day after lunch, my friends and I sit on the fountain steps, gossiping and eating snacks. That day, I was halfway through a perfect arancino when it swooped down like an angry feathered missile and snatched it straight out of my hand.

Without thinking, I jumped up, screamed, and chased the pigeon. Through the piazza. Past tourists. Over a bench. I even shouted, “Ladro!” like I was in some mafia film. People laughed. A little boy clapped. I was determined. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I’d actually caught it—probably offered it gelato in exchange for the arancino.

Then, right as I was sprinting near the gelateria, my foot hit a rogue olive pit and I slid face-first into a waiter carrying a tray of cappuccinos. Cups flew. Frothy milk rained. I ended up covered in foam and dignity-loss, lying in a puddle of espresso with a biscuit stuck to my cheek.

I’m 14. The age where anything can ruin your life forever. So of course, someone filmed it. Of course, it went on TikTok. And of course, the video is now titled “Caffe-Girl vs Pigeon: Bologna Showdown” with 87,000 views.

When I got home, I was ready to cry, but my brother couldn’t stop laughing. He even made me a T-shirt that says “I fought a pigeon and lost”. My nonna called me “passionata” like it was a compliment.

Honestly? The worst part is… I do kinda look heroic in that video. Slightly deranged, but heroic. Now people at school nod at me like I’m some kind of legend. Even the barista gave me a free coffee the next day.

I’ll never eat lunch near that fountain again. But if the pigeon comes back, I’ll be ready. With proper shoes this time.