Chapter 28

• Giovanni
• “Brandi, talk to me; the nurse from the nursing home called Gi, she was worried about you. Did something happen when you were with your grandmother?” I ask, but she remains silent. I sigh as I sit on the bed with her in my arms. I use my free hand to text Gianna and tell her that I found her and she’s fine. She texts a thank you. As I’m putting the phone back in my pocket, she lifts her head. She’s stopped crying, but her eyes are red. She’s always a tough impenetrable wall, but right now, she looks so vulnerable. I stroke her cheek; the urge to protect and comfort her is strong.
• “Are you ok?” I ask as she tightens her arms around my neck. She nods and tries to smile, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. I know something is wrong, and she won’t tell me. Nothing hurts more than the person you care about hurting and feeling helpless. I stop; I care about her? When did I start caring about her? I have always cared about her well-being, but I know this feeling is so much more.