*Olivia*

As the days passed, my anger faded the fall of the tide against the shore. Like the waning of the moon, a peaceful calm settled over me and my little life. My day usually went the same way, a constant routine that all the books said was good for Elio’s development.

Gio would often kiss me before heading to whatever work he had that day. Sometimes he’d leave for hours and I never knew where he was or what he was doing, but I didn’t mind. Truthfully, ...