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experiences to come. For the first time in his life, James is entirely
in the present. A few hours pass by, hours that will be forgotten in James’s mind, hours that will forever mark his soul. The plane lands and Alessandra walks with James to the baggage claim. She marks both his cheeks with wet kisses of youth and directs him to the bus stop. As James awaits the bus, he unfolds the cocktail napkin and is comforted to discover that her smell is still contained within it. Only now does he land from the height and think of the upcoming indirect journey to San Miniato. *** James descends the stairs of the airport bus and steps onto the floor of the Termini in Rome (...when most of New York City is in a deep dreamless sleep.) Fifteen minutes later, he boards a train to Siena. One hour later the train leaves Rome. James does not pay attention to the passing country view through the train window. He tries to evaluate his current situation. So far he has found it easy to travel in Italy. Even though the train was delayed and not all the conductors speaks English, his napkin instructions provide him with a guide. He thinks of how talented he is at following directions. At first he feels proud, but then he feels very small. He thinks that maybe his role in life is to execute the commands of others. Maybe this journey will have the opposite effect of his expectations. Maybe it will rid him of the urge to create. Maybe he will return to New York, appeased and ready to re-enter corporate America, produce thorough reports, generate revenue for shareholders. |
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