Chapter 57

(Mariana)

I feel the sunlight hit my face through the windows as I turn onto my side on the bed. For the third time during my sleep hours, I reach forward on the bed like I'm expecting my hands to touch Lorenzo. My hands simply sweep in emptiness and endeavor in vain, feeling nothing but the soft materials of the sheets and duvet.

Why do I long for him to have joined me halfway through the night? I already told him I was done, so why do I feel empty inside?

I remember what the nurse told me, yesterday. The next time I'm able to escape, I'm to go as far as possible and never look back. And I also know better to discard my feelings before it's too late. I don't want it drawing me back.

I remember the time of the sewer. I had hesitated as well. Things like that weren’t good for me, at all. Lorenzo isn't good for me.

My eyes open up and I see Lorenzo in a towel he tied around his waist. The rest of his body upward is wet and he has another towel he's using to dry his hair, denoting that h