eart had been destroyed by Giovanni's confessions, leaving me exposed and exposed in ways I hadn't expected. I made an effo

over every exchange I'd had with Giovanni a

on with the person I knew-someone who had always fought for honesty

of control as my phone chime

gize for everything. I'm

ch a surprise, how could he expect me to merely talk things out? However, I

efly, my fingers lingering over the doorbell. A part of me wanted to turn and run, to get away from him an

re looking a little worried and relieved at the same time. Exhaustion softened

enter and said, "Elena." "I

with a flat tone. Though I was in awe of the vista from his floor-t

rmly folded over my chest. Giovanni, you owe me the truth. the whole re

You're deserving of it. Elena, I'll tell

tation. Giovanni leaned forward and put his hands together as he

ch greater than himself. He made an effort to expose the corruption in the organization after learning about it. However, the participants were

ther, my idol, started to take on a different,

evidence your father had amassed. That day, he wasn't meant to be there. However, he attempted t

I didn't want to weep, not in front of Giovanni, and not ju

ave done. Thinking that you were to blame for my father's demise, I planned my reven

Elena, I never wanted you to experience it. I now see that my

dictory feelings and felt as if I was drowning. My purpose was gone, and all th

mouth to talk. "All I've fought for and everything I've

idn't draw away. He said, "You're more powerful than you think, Elena." "In spite of all you've endu

ny trace of deception, any sign that

t reflected my own. My voice broke as I continued, "I'm not sure if I can

you to pardon me. All I want is for you to know

that had transpired bear down on us. The city lights sparkled outsi

e myself from her before I collapsed. Giovanni, I need

Take as much time as you need. If you ever choose you're

thing more, I turned and left his apartment, leaving a

e into the crisp night air. I didn't know how to replace the

haps, this emptiness represented a potential for something fresh. an oppor

certain path ahead. But I felt like I could brea