We both smile a bit and each take another bite.

“So what brings you to Italy?” he asks a while later.

“I’m sorry, please don’t take this the wrong way, but why are you even talking to me? You didn’t seem like my biggest fan yesterday.”

He doesn’t appear at all fazed by my words. “Yes, I’d like to apologize if I sounded a bit harsh about that. My tone always comes out more serious than I’d like it to. It’s good in business but problematic while attempting friendly conversation.”

I say nothing and he goes on, “I thought you seemed interesting. Plus, you appear to be as antisocial as I am, so that’s always helpful.”

“You’re very chatty for an antisocial person. Speaking to strangers takes the anti out of antisocial, thus making you social.”

“I just prefer not to eat outdoors by myself. Much as I personally don’t mind it, I’m growing a little tired of people looking at me like I’m a dangerous drifter.”

I somewhat get his point. I recall receiving some suspicious glances myself the past couple of times I went out to dinner alone.

“So you’re suggesting we eat breakfast together so we can stay antisocial without looking antisocial?”

“Precisely.”

“Okay,” I find myself agreeing. Why not? When in Rome, do as the similarly withdrawn non-Romans do.

He answers me with a very faint smile. “Good.”

For the next few minutes, we continue to share the bench, sitting and eating our pizzas in silence. It’s only when we both finish and stand to leave that he speaks again.

“For the sake of our burgeoning friendship, I should tell you my name is Liam.” He extends his hand and I don’t hesitate to shake it.

“I’m Kara.”

“Kara,” he repeats. He gazes at me for a brief moment before he does his token nod/bow and walks away.

A few minutes later, I head back to my apartment with a small smirk, contemplating how, in my own outlandish, hermit-like way, I just made my first friend in Italy.

19

Since our conversation almost three weeks ago, Liam and I have eaten breakfast together every morning, and our meals have now evolved into breakfast followed by midmorning walks. As each day goes by, we seem to claim more and more of each other’s time. Yesterday, Liam went on a morning bike tour of Rome with me. Two days ago, I visited the Borghese Gallery with him. Neither of us mind the company. Much as I glorify my cloistered antics, I would probably go crazy if I didn’t have Liam around to talk to.