Chapter 24

Larissa sat next to Stephanie. Her mind seemed far as she stared at the metal doors. Her knees were brought up to her chest. 

The t-shirts she was wearing couldn’t hide all her bruises as she rocked back and forth.

Stephanie stared at her quietly, catching a glimpse of her bruises. She wanted to ask but didn’t know how to even begin.

“Larissa,” she whispered lightly, bringing her out of her thoughts. She looked at Stephanie, her eyes had lost color, and her face was pale.

“Are you okay?” Stephanie asked, and Larissa plastered a smile doing what she does best — bottling up her feelings and worries.

“Yeah,” she said, as Stephanie placed her hand on top of hers, making her stare at the connection, then looked back up at Stephanie.

“You will be with your brothers in a few hours,” Larissa added, forcing herself to smile but failing. 

“And you? Don’t you want to be with Gaetano anymore?” 

She stared up at Stephanie and smiled.