how it started

I was just a few steps away from a good book and my little Florentine apartment, when the thought to turn around and head down a nearby alleyway stopped me in my tracks.

I just couldn't shake it. 

Feeling like a far less equipped and mildly reluctant Nancy Drew, I dug my camera back out of my pack with frozen, tired fingers.

Alone, I retraced my steps through the dark.

She emerged from the shadows, just as I turned left onto the dimly lit street.

Eyes downturned, the woman was hunched over. With clenched fists, and furrowed brows she trudged toward me as if every step demanded concentrated effort...

Nervously, I waved.
"Ciao, Tu Bella. You're beautiful," I said. "May I take your photo?"

Slowing, the woman looked around, before meeting my gaze.

"Me? Bella?" She asked softly, pointing to her chest.

When I nodded, she paused, and straightened for a moment as her eyes filled with tears.

I clicked the shutter twice- capturing just two shaky frames before she continued down the street, whispering.
"Me, Bella," as she walked away.

I stood still.  Undone.
Holding my camera, and a piece of what I was created to do.