One Summer, One Roman Night

The taxi lets us out near the hotel, and for a second I just stand there with the suitcase handle biting my palm. Rome smells like warm stone and sweet alcohol from somewhere down the street. I keep waiting for my phone to buzz with a reminder from my parents, like I’m still in school. It doesn’t. That silence feels like freedom.

“You’re staring,” Sophie says. She’s already in her party dress, hair half done, lips shining like she’s been born for nights like this. “Say something dramatic. Like, ‘Rome, I’m ready.’”

I laugh, but my chest tightens right after. I have just finished Abitur. My grades are done. My exams are done. My life is supposed to start now. “Rome, I’m ready,” I say, and it sounds more brave than I feel.