There was a startling chill in the air as Augustus awoke just before dawn to begin his day.  Although this was a normal and tedious routine, he had a strange thought that something would be different in the day that awaited him.  Having worked for the prestigious politician Marcus for many years, Augustus knew exactly what his master wanted and expected of him.

            Therefore, Augustus began his climb down the Palatine Hill as the rising sun reflected off the drops of dew on the small trees and plants growing from the earth.  He headed towards the Velia, the northern expansion of the Palatine Hill, which he had learned after many years was the easiest and least steep slope to get down the hill to the central Forum. 

            Just down the hill, Augustus past the Basilica Iulia, as he was familiar with this building because Marcus commonly held public civic cases in that building.  He had heard many stories that had occurred in that building and recalled them as he headed on towards the main marketplace. 

Just as Augustus headed towards the aisle of fruits and vegetables to pick fresh produce for Marcus’ family’s lunch and dinner, he was bumped on the shoulder.  As he turned his head, he noticed that he had accidentally brushed past an attractive young woman in a bout of single-minded focus and distraction.  She turned, and as their eyes met, Augustus couldn’t help but smile at her beauty.  She quickly glanced at his broad shoulders, his boyish dimples and continued walking with a smile and sway.  He wondered what her name was and couldn’t stop thinking about her for the rest of the day.

-Sapir Ohayon