“You have your own bathroom right here,” she said as she turned on the bathroom light. “There’s plenty of towels and wash cloths in there. Go wash your face and I’ll get your nightshirt out.”

I lifted my shirt over my head and walked into the bathroom. After washing my face and examining my swollen red eyes in the mirror, Giana walked in and handed me my nightshirt.

“Let me see your arms.”

“I didn’t. The urge was there, but I fought it.”

She carefully looked them over and gave me a hug. “I’m so proud of you.”

Giana pulled the covers back and I climbed into bed. She tucked me in just like when we were kids.

“Get some sleep, ladybug.” She smiled. “I’ll make us breakfast in the morning and we’ll talk and figure things out when you have a clear head.”

“Thank you, G.”

“If you need anything, I’ll be right down the hall.”

She walked out of the room and only closed the door halfway. I lay there, exhausted, as I closed my eyes and the only thing I could see was him and her.

****

I opened my eyes and took a moment to remember where I was. Yesterday seemed like such a blur and I was hoping it was dream, but it wasn’t. The aroma of blueberry pancakes lingered throughout the apartment and into my room. The only reason I climbed out of bed was because I had to use the bathroom. I stopped and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were swollen and tired, and my skin looked haggard. I softly ran the brush through my hair before following the pancake smell to the kitchen.

“Good morning, sunshine.” Giana smiled.

“Really?”

“I’m just trying to cheer you up.” She took a mug from the cabinet and filled it with coffee. “Here; drink up.”

“Thanks.”

“So this is the plan,” she spoke as she set down a plate with two blueberry pancakes on it in front of me. “You’re here and you’re staying. You’re going to move in with me and find a job. It’s time to create a new life, Gabby. A life of your own. And don’t worry about paying for anything just yet. We’ll discuss that after you find a job.”

“I can’t move in here.”

“Yes, you can and you will. It’s been way too long since we’ve seen each other and now that I have you here, you’re not leaving. Besides, where would you go? Seattle will do you good. I promise.” She smiled. “Now eat up.”

I cut off a small piece of the pancake. My stomach was a wreck and the last thing I wanted to do was eat. “Don’t you have to go to work?”

“I called in. I wanted to spend the day with you and make sure you’re okay.”