L. Farris Cover design and photomanipulation by J. L. Farris. Couple stock photograph by Hot Damn StockBackground stock photograph by Bernhard Siegl * * * It was already late April, and the Floralia was nigh. Livia was exceedingly aware of this fact. A signboard had been posted at the end of her street for a fortnight, loudly proclaiming that the festivities dedicated to the goddess Flora would begin on the 28th day of April and conclude on the 3rd of May. The billboard, however, was mostly unnecessary. Livia would hear about it incessantly – through the excited chatter of adolescent boys loitering below her window, or from the giggling and gossiping of pretty young wives gathered at the local water-fountain. Floralia this, Floralia that. The festival had not even begun and Livia was already tired of hearing about it. The Floralia was the six-day religious festival held in honour of Flora, the flowery maiden goddess of plant life, fertility and the season of spring.
