Valeria The Sparrow There is a small market that fills the space outside the main gates into Assisi with stands of vegetables and flowers on both sides of the square. The market goes on toward the big, beautiful church dedicated to St. Claire, and stands that sell shoes, clothing, and kitchenware. I had already bought fresh, curly lettuce, but not too much today since I was going to Cortona on Sunday to visit my friend L. I began walking leisurely along the stalls—just looking. Sometimes a perfect blouse appears among rather cheap looking things, but nothing interesting this time, and I began to walk back.