During isolation and quarantine, the value of connectivity is immeasurable. From the beginning, we were in consistent communication with Semester at Sea colleagues who were listening, planning, mobilizing and supporting. Periodically, we received offers for help from friends who had connections in Naples. As we anxiously awaited results from our seventh day PCR tests, hope and frustration vacillated with promises from Fabio that were pledged and reneged. We were readying ourselves for bed, resigned to another day with no information, when I received a What’s App call from a friend of a friend. Anative of Naples, Lu offered to call Fabio. We visited a bit before I shared his number and slipped out to the patio to say good night to the team. The boys bantered about their next electronic chess move, and Liv dropped the bedsheet rope to gather some dark chocolate. When I stepped back into our room, wifi reconnected with a missed call and message from Lu. “I spoke with Fabio. He was super helpful and explained in detail everything. You’ll get your negative results now. You are free tomorrow.” In disbelief, as I slowly reread her words, Chris’ phone began buzzing and one by one, our test results rolled in.

Sweet. Skepticism turned to relief and the kids made their way downstairs for a toast to freedom and to plan next steps. Bitter. Having tested positive, Will was not free. From his socially distanced patio, I watched his determination and strength as he celebrated with his siblings, and my stomach churned.

From Fabio, Lu learned that Will would be PCR tested every seven days and released with a negative result or in 21 days, whichever came first. Unsure that we could abandon him, Chris and I discussed which of us might stay in Italy. Jonah, Lianne, Liv and Tyler booked flights home, and we packed. As the sun rose the next morning, the Lindas and the kids reveled in walks on the beach while Chris and I taxied into Paestum for supplies to support Will. Outside of captivity, shopping was fun. People were kind and helpful. We filled our cart with snacks and vitamins, band-aids and wine, knowing none of it could make leaving our son palatable. 

We were reassured when we learned our dear friend, Sara, who works for Semester at Sea would be coming to the Medea Beach Resort to support a new group of students who were heading to quarantine. There could not be a more trusted or tenacious advocate, and with Will’s reassurance and encouragement, we joined the rest of Team Seng in two taxi’s back to Naples. Bittersweet. 

Determined to never again be quarantined by the Italian government, we made a quick stop at a local pharmacy for COVID tests. With negative documentation and cappuccinos to go, the two-hour drive by daylight was beautiful. We passedresort towns tucked away in sandy coves and villages known for producing Bufala Mozzarella. Once in Naples, we settled the kids into a hotel near the port, met Sara for lunch, and once again made our way to the ship. 

The MV World Odyssey feels like home, and it was a welcomed sight! CEO and friend, Scott Marshall, met us at the port gates and snapped a few photos before we said good-bye to the kids.Recent memories flooded my mind as we repeated the process of checking our luggage and passports, climbing stairs, listing close contacts, swabbing throats and noses, then waiting. Ship’s crew who have become friends over the years, waited anxiously with us. With one more lump in the throat moment after a clerical error checked the positive box, the four of us were pronounced negative. Everyone in the room cheered and we embarked, leaving Will and a piece of our hearts behind.