Page 10 of Monster in Disguise

In the distance, a small figure catches my eye. She's dressed in a drab gray uniform dress, her hair neatly tucked under a white headdress. But as she draws closer, her eyes captivate me. They are a brilliant, emerald green that seem to shimmer in the sun. For a moment, I am taken aback by their intensity and the striking resemblance they bear to another pair of green eyes from my past.

Lost in my memories, I barely have time to react before she stands directly in front of me, regarding me with curious eyes.

"Who are you?" Her voice is filled with childlike wonder, as if I am some sort of exotic creature.

"I'm Marcello." I offer her a half-smile, and she returns it with enthusiasm.

"I'm Claudia," she declares proudly. Just then, a sharp voice echoes through the courtyard, calling out her name.

"Oh no!" she whispers urgently, waving goodbye before rushing off towards the sound.

As I watch her disappear into the bustling crowd, I can't help but wonder if my sister Assisi was ever like that. Carefree and playful in the courtyard of our childhood home. And although parting ways with her was difficult, I can't help but feel that giving her away was better than the alternative.

As I sit on the stone bench, Mother Superior approaches me with a young girl in tow. The girl's face bears a red mark above her right eyebrow, revealing her identity before she even speaks.

"Mr. Lastra, Sister Assisi. You have one hour," Mother Superior's stern voice echoes through the quiet courtyard as she departs.

Assisi and I gaze at each other, both of us unsure of what to say or do. Her eyes scan over my form, and I notice her jaw trembling with emotion.

"Marcello?" She finally manages to speak, but my throat constricts and no words come out.

"Assisi," I eventually reply, my own voice barely audible.

"It's really you." Her tone is filled with awe and disbelief. I can see the thoughts running through her mind as she takes hesitant steps towards me. My hand instinctively reaches up to create some space between us.

Her expression falls at the rejection, but she forces a sad smile onto her lips. I feel compelled to explain myself.

"It's not that I don't want to... I just can't," I mutter, unable to elaborate further. But Assisi seems to understand without any further explanation. She looks at me with understanding and gestures towards the stone bench I had been sitting on just moments ago.

Taking a seat next to me, Assisi leaves just enough space between us. Her face lights up with surprise and joy as she recognizes me.

"I didn't think I'd see you again," she exclaims, her voice bright and warm.

"And I didn't think you'd remember me."

"Of course I do. You're my brother." Her expression is full of forgiveness and love.

"I'm sorry," I add, feeling the weight of my past mistakes.

"Why are you here?"

"Valentino is dead." A gasp escapes Assisi's lips and her hand flies to cover her mouth.

"Dead?" she repeats in shock, her eyes wide.

"Yes... suicide." The word hangs heavy in the air, like a dark storm cloud.

"Suicide?" Assisi whispers, her tone laced with horror. For Catholics, it is perhaps the worst way to die.

"He was diagnosed with a degenerative disorder. He was already dying... slowly."

Tears well up in the corners of her eyes and she uses a piece of fabric from her headdress to gently wipe them away.

"I had no idea... He visited a few times but never mentioned it."

"I don't think he wanted to burden you."

"Maybe. How is Venezia?"

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