Page 11 of Monster in Disguise

"She's... coping. She'll be okay. Maybe I'll even bring her to visit sometime." As soon as the words leave my mouth, Assisi's entire demeanor changes.

"Really? You would do that?" There is wonder and hope in her voice, and I can't help but nod.

"It would mean so much. Thank you!" She leans forward as if to hug me, but pulls back at the last second and instead gives me a bright smile.

Despite the mark on her face, Assisi radiates such warmth and beauty that any imperfection melts away in comparison.

For the first time, I think I made at least one right decision in sending her to Sacre Coeur.

We talk a little more, and I tell her about my career as a lawyer and how I've been away from the family. She tells me about her mother figure and best friend, and how she is really happy where she is.

The more I talk to her, the more I realize that she has no idea what our family does for a living. Mother Superior knows, going by the way she received me. But Assisi has no clue. Andthatmakes me entirely too happy.

Mother Superior interrupts us, telling us that our time is over, and we say goodbye.

"I'll come again," I promise, but I can see in her eyes she doesn't believe me, even if she nods in agreement.

"God Bless you!" She comes over to me, still keeping some distance, and does the sign of the cross with her hands over my body.

"Thank you, Assisi."

"SisterAssisi has other duties," Mother Superior interjects, leading her away.

With one last glance, I leave.

Catalina

"Claudia!" I call out, cupping my hands together to amplify my voice. The nuns may disapprove of such noise, but I don't care.

As usual, I have no clue where that mischievous little rascal has scurried off to. I just hope she doesn't cross paths with Mother Superior; that always seems to result in both Claudia and me being scolded for our behavior.

Of course, most of the blame falls on me because apparently, I didn't raise her well. I roll my eyes in disbelief at their judgmental attitude.

It's not like I haven't been through this before; I knew what I was getting into when I decided to have a child. But I made sacrifices for Claudia's well-being. That doesn't give these holier-than-thou nuns the right to criticize my parenting.

Over the years, there have been countless instances where other nuns would make snide comments about Claudia and me within earshot of her.

There had been that time when she'd asked me whatwhoremeant because that's what other nuns refer to me as. How can you explainthatto a child? I'd made something up, of course,but Claudia is unusually perceptive. She'd realized by herself that it was a negative word.

I go towards the cloisters' garth, thinking I'd find her there. She likes open spaces a lot. We have only one room, and I feel terrible when she gets cooped up inside, so I indulge her whenever I can.

Of course, I was right that she'd be in the garth.

I come to a stop and watch as she's running around, to the chagrin of the other nuns. I'm enjoying their discomfort too much to stop her now, but then she suddenly runs towards a foreign man. I frown. Who's that?

I go a little closer and see him smile down at her, his mouth forming some words that I can't understand.

That's it!

I shout out my daughter's name once again, my voice cutting through the air like a sharp knife. Finally, she responds to my call and scrambles back towards me, her feet kicking up dirt as she dashes.

"Mamma," she says in a sheepish tone when she reaches me, knowing that she might be in trouble. I can't help but smile at her bashfulness as I scold her, "To the room, little troublemaker, you've terrorized enough nuns for today!" She revels in the attention and readily agrees to retreat to our accommodations.

But as I turn to follow her, something catches my eye. Mother Superior and Sisi are walking towards an unknown male figure. My curiosity is piqued, and I can't resist lingering for a moment to see what is happening.

"Go on ahead, my dear. I'll join you shortly," I tell Claudia, urging her forward with a gentle push. She gives me a pout but eventually skips off happily towards our room.

Intrigued by the unknown figure and his connection to Sisi, I stealthily make my way towards an arch that allows for bettervisibility. Once my spot is chosen, I strain to make out the stranger.

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