23

LORENA

Saying goodbye is the most bittersweet process I’ve ever gone through.

Cesare he told me to not die out there until he gets to the bottom of this, which was the giant’s way of asking me to stay, I guess.

He continued to watch me with narrowed eyes after he gave Ales the keys to the cottage that I’ll be staying and was genuinely upset and couldn’t understand why I wanted to leave in the first place.

For me, none of this made any sense whatsoever, no matter how much I tried to explain that this life isn’t for me anymore.

I married him so I guess I chose it.

Gulio appeared more disappointed than angry. I think I caught him glaring at Ales, but I don’t know if it was real or if I was imagining things.

Everyone else offered me best wishes, even if their expressions were turned downward.

Zia hugged me goodbye and gave me a bag full of food containers as a parting gift.

I had to hold back the tears as I climbed into the car Ales lent me to drive.