Giovanni, present time...
Ellie's emerald green eyes widened in shock as she stared at me. Her lips parted and a soft gasp escaped them. "How did you escape?" she whispered, barely audible.
"I didn't," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "They let me go after a week. I was disoriented and had no idea how to find my way back home, but somehow I managed it." A shudder ran through my body as I recalled the experience.
"And then what happened?" Ellie asked, her eyes filled with concern.
I couldn't hide the bitterness in my voice as I answered, "When I got home, I found an even bigger surprise waiting for me."
A look of realization crossed Ellie's face. "Your mother..." she started, unable to finish her sentence.
"Committed suicide," I finished for her, the words heavy on my tongue. "Didn't even get to say goodbye to her."
