"I think we should have continued the exhibition for at least three days," Selene says as she locks up the gallery. "It blew up."

I nod approvingly. As if I'm deep in thought, I say questioningly but it comes across as stating a fact. "It really did, huh?"

She laughs and stands there with keys jangling from her hands. It's true. The place blew up. It's almost 11 at night and we opened at 12 P.M. Our last customer left just a few minutes ago. I was reluctant to display my portrait photography since I just started experimenting in that area. I'm more adept in abstract. But both of them were liked equally.

I fix my gaze at the gallery. It doesn't take up that much space. A row of cafes is alongside it. Two benches, although give off a rusted vibe, made of oak are perched in front of the gallery. There is a walk-in door through which I was running inside some time ago. She sits down on one of the benches. I accompany her.

"We could still extend it," She suggests, referring to the showcasing. "You can stay."

I give her an all-too-knowing look. She's been convincing me to stay in Rome for a little while longer even though I've laid out my case in front of her.

"You know I can't."

"Ah, yes. The infamous photo gallery you just have to go to." I don't miss the faint touch of taunt in her tone. I told her I have to go to this opening to support a local photographer.

"Come on. Don't be like that. I told you beforehand." I defend my reasoning. She just rolls her eyes.

"You can go later. Whenever. You saw how the exhibition blew up. I need that kind of recognition for my business." She lights a cigarette and blows out a puff of smoke that disappears in the air. 

"You'll get a handful of recognition, Selene. You shouldn't be worried about that." I knew that her business was new and I wasn't well known either. I just took a chance on my work. My photography was confined to my camera and before that, the projects I used to work on with my group partners when I was studying. If I weren't so desperate to hop from one place to another, I would have taken her up on her offer. "Unless that's not what this is about."

In the few weeks I've known her, she hasn't ever shown a flicker of self-doubt. It's a trait I admire and possess a portion of it myself.

"Okay, fine. It's just," She lays back against the bench and puts out the cigarette. "I don't have many friends here. It was nice to hang out with you for a while."

"Oh, you'll miss me?" I tease her and even as I'm being playful, the heaviness in my chest can be felt vividly. I don't want to be responsible for friendship. I make acquaintances and have a good time with them and then travel across the country. That's what I do. And though I'm fond of her company, I wouldn't stay here long enough anyway to enjoy it.

She gets up from the bench and says, "Only a little." But I notice she's smiling. I get up and wipe my hands on my jeans before extending out my hand for her to shake, "Good business with you."

She shakes my hand, depicting a deal done. "Yes. Good."

The wrinkles of her face are evident when she smiles. She smiles a lot. "Come back in the morning to collect your share. I'll be here."

"See you then." I let go of her hand and turn to walk in the other direction. Once I'm out of her range, a breath escapes me. This isn't the first time someone has said something along the lines of potential affinity. Going away comes quite naturally to me so it isn't hampering at all.

A wave of cold washes across my face, leaving my cheeks glacial. No one would believe the sun was burning my eyes forenoon. The chilly air is making me rethink heading back to my hotel and post on my photography blog. Whenever I take pictures, I post a few I adore the most. Today has been a big step for me. So I was thinking I'll put that on the blog too. But the Arctic Puffin in me desires otherwise.

I walk from street to street, taking into view the aesthetic beauty of Italy. Tourists snapping pictures, not caring if it's midnight and you can't really see anything clearly. Unless you choose to do flash photography and risk looking like a ghost, then yes, you can be seen. The buildings appear like something out of an unreal fictional world but their olden exterior can't be neglected.

I don't know how long I've been roaming around. Or where I am. I've just been savoring the icy weather and doing my leather jacket justice. I think of going back but then I see a garden full of statues. I also see a crew and some people going from one place to the other, obviously working. There are a few people operating cameras and occasional flash sparks indicate that photos are being taken. I can make out artificial lights from here. A barricade is set up to prevent entering inside.

Maybe it's just more tourists. But they won't put up barricades, will they?

I wanted to see the sculptures up close. Before turning back, I make a mental note of getting up early and coming here before swinging by the gallery. That will leave me with more than enough time before I have to head to the airport to catch my flight to Japan.