Ella Sullivan is an 18-year-old high school senior with a sharp wit and a penchant for sarcasm. Her life revolves around her close-knit group of friends and the love for her dog. But her world is thrown into disarray when she encounters Ms. Catherin...
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———༺✵༻——— POV Ella ———༺✵༻———
As we make our way toward the Forum Romanum, the streets of Rome buzz with life. The cobblestone roads, uneven under our feet, wind through ancient buildings and lively piazzas. I find myself constantly looking around, mesmerized by the charm of this city. Every turn reveals something new: balconies overflowing with flowers, local markets selling fresh produce, and narrow alleyways that seem to disappear into the heart of the city. It's hard not to feel like I'm walking through a piece of history with every step.
The sun is still high in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over everything. It's a beautiful day—hot, but not unbearable, with just enough of a breeze to keep us comfortable. I glance at my friends, walking beside me, all of them lost in their own little worlds. Jess is snapping photos every few feet, her camera clicking away as she captures the essence of Rome. Abby, on the other hand, looks completely relaxed, taking in the sights with a serene smile. Nick and Amori, as usual, are wrapped up in each other, walking close together with Nick's arm draped lazily over Amori's shoulders.
I can't help but smile at how content everyone seems. There's something about this city that just feels magical, like it's pulling us all into its rhythm. As we walk, the noise of the bustling streets fades into the background, and the anticipation of reaching the Forum Romanum grows. I've read so much about this place, and the thought of standing where ancient Romans once stood is exhilarating.
After what feels like a pleasant stroll, we finally reach the entrance to the Forum Romanum. The sight of it takes my breath away. The ruins stretch out before us, a vast expanse of crumbling columns, ancient temples, and stone paths worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that this place was once the center of Roman political, religious, and social life.
"Alright, everyone, gather around!" Mr. Harris's voice cuts through the chatter of our group, drawing our attention. He's standing at the front, gesturing for us to come closer. "Before we explore, I want to give you a bit of context."
We all shuffle closer, forming a loose semi-circle around him. I glance over at Catherine, who's standing a little off to the side. She's watching the group with a faint smile, her gaze sweeping over the students. For a moment, our eyes meet, and she gives me the smallest of nods.
Mr. Harris starts his explanation, and I force myself to focus on his words, though it's hard when Catherine's standing right there, a reminder of everything that happened earlier, and everything else that'll happen later. "The Forum Romanum," he begins, "was the center of ancient Rome. This was where the most important structures were located—the Senate House, temples dedicated to the gods, and various public spaces where people gathered for political and social activities."
He gestures toward the towering remains of the Temple of Saturn, its massive columns still standing tall despite the centuries that have passed. "The Temple of Saturn, over there, was one of the most important temples in the Forum. It housed the state treasury and was a symbol of Rome's wealth and power."
