When Caleb, an introspective International Relations student from rural Iowa, embarks on a study abroad program in Rome, he expects to focus on his studies and navigate the unfamiliar city alone. However, his quiet routine is disrupted when he crosses paths with Marco, a charismatic and observant artist whose sketchbook seems to hold as much mystery as the city itself.
What begins as a casual encounter in a sun-drenched garden quickly evolves into an intense, transformative bond as the two navigate the winding streets of Rome, the artistic legacy of Florence, and the romantic canals of Venice. Through their shared discoveries and deepening intimacy, Caleb finds himself shedding his reserved exterior, while Marco’s steady presence pushes him to see the world—and himself—with new clarity.
Yet, the beauty of their whirlwind romance is shadowed by the unavoidable reality of Caleb’s upcoming departure. As the end of the semester approaches, the pair must confront the daunting weight of time and the uncertain distance between their lives, leaving both to wonder if what they have found is merely a beautiful, temporary dream of summer, or the beginning of something that could withstand the world beyond Rome.
