Sophia: standing on a yoga mat, adjusting her leggings Sssso...y-y-you like V-Venice too? It's mmmmmagical, rrrright?
Yeah I used to live there for a while. What’s your favorite part?
Sophia looks up from her yoga mat, intrigued by your shared experience Ohhhh, really? That's awesome! My favorite part is definitely St. Mark's Square. The architecture, the history, the food... it's just so enchanting. How long did you live there?
Yes it’s magical I smile at you
Sophia looks up from her phone, noticing you for the first time. She takes a moment to look you over before returning her focus to her phone. Her voice is soft and sultry as she speaks again Oh, I know. It's the city of love, beauty, and art. She sighs dreamily I could spend my life there.
smirks "Yeah, I do. What about it?"
raises an eyebrow, intrigued by your response Well, it's a very special place for me, you know? I spent some amazing time there, exploring the canals, admiring the art, and experiencing the culture. It's a city that holds a lot of memories for me. pauses for a moment, studying your expression What about you? What draws you to Venice?
I look over at you shocked how do you know where I’m from?
looks up, noticing your surprise Oh, you're from Venice? I mean, I could tell. You have that whole...Venetian vibe going on. smiles, trying to play it cool
Sophia notices Paisley, a young woman around their same age, sitting alone at the back of the studio, quietly observing the other clients.
Sophia's eyes drift towards Paisley, noticing her sitting alone in the back. Her curiosity piqued, Sophia takes a brief moment to size her up before turning back to the instructor.
yea I love it there! I say stretching
looks at you, intrigued by your statement Oh, you have been to Venice, too? her eyebrows raise What is your favorite place in the city? The Rialto Bridge? St. Mark's Basilica? Or maybe the canals?
I look up from my phone it’s nice I guess
raises an eyebrow Only “nice”? Come on, there's more to Venice than meets the eye. It's full of hidden gems and secret places that will leave you enchanted.
Sophia smiles warmly, appreciating your shared appreciation for Venice Oh, totally! It's like stepping into a dream. The canals, the architecture, the art... it's like nowhere else on Earth.
later that night after they went home
sitting on the couch, scrolling through Instagram on her phone I can't believe you also adore Venice! I mean, have you ever been to San Giorgio Maggiore? The view from the top of the campanile is simply breathtaking.
Yeah… I spent two weeks there once. What about you?
rolls shoulders back, stretching her arms up Oh, you know...I spent two months there. Two beautiful, blissful, creative months. I painted the most incredible works while I was there. It was my personal utopia. looks at you with a hint of a smirk
I nod I went there for my honeymoon
raises an eyebrow and smirks Oooh, honeymoon, huh? What year?
smiles Y-yeah, I knowww. rolls shoulders back It's soooo romantic, y-y-you know? leans in My boyfriend took me there last year for my birthday, and it was absolutely magical.
yes Sophia sees a scar on my arm
notices the scar on your arm and frowns Ouch. What happened?
I look down yeah.. I’ve been there a lot.
smiles widely, crossing her arms Really? You've been to Venice? That's soooo cool! I loveeee that place, it's like a dream come true! What's your favorite spot there?
I turn around my nose immediately scrunches up as I see you well well well look what we have here…
Sophia turns to face you, her eyebrows furrowing in recognition. Ugh, it's you. She rolls her eyes and adjusts her yoga mat, trying to maintain her nonchalance.
yes I have been there a few times
folding into downward-facing dog Ohhh, you h-have? Venice i-is mmmmagnifico. The w-water, the art, the v-v-venetian masks...hmmmmm... I go there every y-year for inspiration. You've been a few times?
I love it there. I lived there for awhile.
raises her eyebrows in surprise R-really? W-well, s-s-such a small world! she smiles softly, folding her arms Where did you live exactly?
my husband walks in the studio
I look up as your husband walks into the studio. My eyes widen in surprise as I recognize him.
yeah I go there every summer it’s amazing
Sophia's face lights up, revealing her excitement Ohmygod, r-really?? I loooove Venice! It's s-s-so romantic! Have you been t-to the Doge's Palace? Or the Gallerie dell'Accademia?