The Girl On The Via Flaminia
by Alfred Hayes

"Here is a merciless picture of hardened American conquerors abroad and their impact on pitifully defenseless people.

A young American soldier takes on a pretty, fearful Italian girl to while away the tedious occupation.

She consents with deep bitterness and restraint; the only jobs and bread are in the American kitchens.

The country's pride is fiercely moral and the girl is stigmatized by the local police and populace.

This is her final, mortal shame and she runs off into the night.

He follows her but is too late.

In another times and place they might have truly loved one another."