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"What's going on?" I knit ether I shouldn't try to speak to her, but she doesn't even attempt to answer, and she probably can't, anyway But it's the one tie I have left with the norht the habit I need to speak before I become mute myself

She urgesmy bare feet on the hardwood floor I follow Eleanora into the salon area in nothing but a white nightie

At least Adrian took care of my appearance before he left me here to rot My wardrobes are filled with beautiful clothes,I've worn before I hated it at first, hated being so exposed—but I soon realized no one would be able to see me, anyway, except for Eleanora, and she didn't appear to care about the clothes at all Now, I' It keeps ives me a reason to wake up every day

Eleanora is waiting for me in the salon, and on the coffee table in front of the sofa is a large package with a bow on top I furrow e "Who is this from?"

She doesn't answer of course, but she does give et out of her in the last few days

I wonder whether I should open the package It could be an unpleasant surprise But in the end,the large box It gives way and the ribbon falls open I lift the edge of the box and my eyes widen when I see what's inside

"Painting supplies" I whisper My fingers glide over things I've wanted my entire life Two blank canvases, a sketchbook, a set of pencils, soft brushes, acrylic paints and paint thinner This is beautiful And I don't deserve it

I shake ht out Just because papa was deters I loved too much, doesn'tsupplies are a wonderful gift, and for the first time in months, I feel my heart soar

"Are these from Adrian?" I ask Eleanora

She nods, pointing to a note that's attached to the bow

With shaky fingers, I pick up the card and co for the very first ti moves inside me and I melt when I see that he took time to scribble a note for s, he can be kind and when he is, it's so very beautiful

Marzia,