章 55: Poetic Inspiration

- VANESSA -

Cara Famiglia,

I love you all so much. I'm not writing to ask for forgiveness for the tremendous hurt my leaving has caused you, but to ask for understanding. 

For some time now, I have been living a secret double life. I wasn't volunteering at the shelter, Mamma. I'm sorry for lying. I was working at a bar called Theo's, and I met someone.

…

My hand stops, paused on the page, unsure of how to proceed. What words come next? 

"How's it going?" Dominik sits down across from me in the living room and slides a steaming cup of tea across the low table. 

"I think I need more wine instead of tea." I rest my head in my hands, staring at the page. This is horrible—doing this to my family. Even though it's not the truth, it makes me feel horrible. 

"Want some help?"