Michelle Wang

The Grand Scheme of Things

On the last day in Venice it rained. The city on the water was still beautiful, still had an elegance to her, just as an aging Hollywood star possesses a glimmer of youthful allure. Puddling through the narrow alleyways, I heard only the sound of sloshing footsteps and umbrellas scraping against the brick walls as I passed alongside strangers, lifting my umbrella up or down to accommodate the oncoming tourist.