Behind the Facade | Vittorio, baby

Echoes of youth

Rome, with its cobblestone streets and ancient grandeur, had always been a playground for Vittorio and Isabella. Since they were young children, their days were filled with laughter and adventure, their bond as natural and enduring as the ancient city around them.

As children, they would race through the Roman Forum, pretending to be gladiators and emperors, their imaginations transforming the ancient ruins into fantastical kingdoms. Their favorite spot was the old stone fountain in Piazza Navona, where they would sit for hours, feet dangling in the cool water, creating elaborate stories about the statues and the lives they once led.

Vittorio, with his boundless energy and mischievous grin, always led the way. He had an infectious enthusiasm that drew Isabella into the most daring escapades, from sneaking into hidden courtyards to exploring the secret tunnels beneath the Colosseum. Isabella, quieter and more thoughtful, was the mastermind behind their plans, her keen intelligence balancing Vittorio's impulsiveness. Together, they were an unstoppable team, their bond as natural and enduring as the ancient city around them. They were the complete opposite from eachother, and that's ehat drew them to eachother.

Their families, close friends for generations, often marveled at the depth of their connection. Sunday dinners were a lively affair, filled with the rich aroma of homemade pasta and the warmth of familial love. Vittorio and Isabella would sit side by side, sharing whispered jokes and planning their next adventure under the table, their bond strengthening with each passing year.

However, as they grew older and high school approached, the tides of time and social expectations began to pull them apart. Now, at sixteen, Isabella is immersed in her studies, focused on her academic ambitions and the weight of growing responsibilities. Vittorio, at eighteen, has been swept into the glamorous but shallow world of Rome's young aristocracy, his charm and charisma making him a natural fit.

Despite the distance that high school brought, both held onto the deep care and affection they felt for each other, tucked away in the corners of their hearts.