Jenny: Roman

A restless young Norwegian arrives in Rome, the city’s golden light and bustling avenues spilling over his imagination as quickly as the crowds on Via Condotti. A street band blasts a frantic tune while uniformed soldiers stride past, and Helge stands at Corso and Condotti, eyes drinking the maze of rooftops, domes and ancient churches.

Twilight spreads amber across the sky, lighting St. Peter’s dome and turning the city’s stone into a warm tapestry that feels both grand and oddly ordinary compared to his fantasies. Guided by the mingled sounds of bells, chatter and a distant fountain, he hums a folk refrain and, with a quiet sense of unease, steps toward the Spanish Steps, eager to let Rome reveal its hidden layers.