already there. Giovanni is currently in the next room, too inebr

ises, bruises, and hushed apologies far too often.

t it.

is racing, panicked and thumping. I carefully avoid making any noise as I reach fo

errified of stillness.

somewhe

at all. I've never spoken to him or even had a real meeting with him.

eling that he m

uicker now. If I wake anyone, it doesn't matter to me. If he

ke. For a long time, I stand there uncert

at I am hoping fo

se my

bell before I c

ate for a moment, then force myself to get out o

ive any visi

ht in my stomach tells me that this is significant, even though my pulse is

l it

d a conversation. Something dark fills her wide-eyed eyes. Fear? Or is it simply the sen

as she stands ther

and it trembles, as if she w

ds fall out of my th

about, the indications that something is broken in her. Her hands were

onfli

mour has never been me.

quality in her eyes that appe

pa

'm not sure what's going on with me. I've con

ep b

time being, yo

dense with uncertainty. Feeling the consequences

s pre

not su

rs, she might depart. Or perhaps she's managed to cont

but notice some

ct. Always. I'm not sympathetic

s from her, I'm not s

draws herself in and how the walls close in around her. I've seen

t here to hurt you." The words are n

anything, but

ld I send her away? Should I let her go and look for someo

erested in

by herself is too

I open the door wider

time being, yo

my tears threatening to spill, but I resist th

ipped in my lap. I've never fel

m not sure if I should be relieved or concer

g breath and try

ve a whisper, "I don't know where el

t. I am unable to sa

ard a little. I can't find the words

is causing me pain." physically. In the mind. I'm

ting, the words l

eeper, guarded, and menacing in his eyes when he retu

might be considering sending me away

esn't. He mere

s looking at me for the f

tly. However, Isabella, there's some

hud

he's saying. My he

is difficu

y presence. I sense the tension building betw

drawn to him for some reason. I've always been afraid of

e gently. He never takes hi

in my composure. Even if he doesn'

-because he's so close. I am unable to avoid his pre

ou," which is a threa

nd extends and touches my shoulder

my heart is pounding. I wa

netic force is

in it. I have

ant to go

his eyes as I look up.

anxi

what I'm gett

am unable