When my niece spent a semester studying in Rome, of course I had to visit her.  We had a marvelous time.  On our first day, we hit many of the popular tourist sights, beginning with the Pantheon, where we marveled at the ingenuity of ancient architects.  A few blocks away is the magnificent Trevi Fountain (pictured below), where visitors flock to throw a coin over their shoulder into the crystalline waters flowing from the imposing marble sculpture portraying Triton and Oceanus. Someday, I hope to return to Rome to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain. 

Elinor can hear the rush of moving water even before she enters the Piazza di Trevi.  Hurrying along the narrow sidewalk, she dodges swinging briefcases and over-size pocketbooks carried by Roman commuters.  At last, she breaks free from the crowd and stands still at the edge of the historic square.  Before her, the splendid fountain glows in the morning sunshine, the magnificent marble figures glowing, the pool of water dappled with spangles of light.

Hands on her hips, she scans  the square and spots a slim figure, wearing a swirling floral dress.  The girl perches on the low fountain wall and dips her hand into the water.  She leans too far and nearly tumbles into the pool.

“Maggie?” Elinor calls, shaking her head and walking briskly to join her younger sister. They haven’t seen each other since Maggie departed for her year abroad in September.

“Elinor!  I can’t believe you’re here,” Maggie shrieks as she leaps up and wraps her in an enthusiastic hug.  “Thank you so much for coming to visit me.”

As her sister begins to pull away, Elinor holds the embrace for just a second more, and then steps back to peer into Maggie’s bright blue eyes.  “You look happy.  Rome must agree with you.”

“It does.  School is fabulous.  My apartment is fabulous. My friends are fabulous. Everything is fabulous.”  Maggie links arms with Elinor.  “Are you ready for some sightseeing?  What should we do first?  Climb the Spanish Steps?  Or, I know, let’s go to the Pantheon.  It’s right down the road.”

“Wait, wait.  Slow down a minute.”  Elinor fishes in the pocket of her Shaker-stitch sweater.  “First, let’s make a wish.”

She hands Maggie a round gold and silver Euro, keeping one for herself.  Together, they toss them over their shoulders.  The coins land one after another with a satisfying splash.

“Do you think our wishes will come true?” Maggie wonders.

“Of course they will,” Elinor assures her as the coins drift lazily to the bottom of the fountain.