UNDER THE DON'S COMMAND

y4

sides of a photograph. A picture of her and her parents from a time when thing

us" she

r room.Her parents were arguing again, She di

ut the window,

joyful night..a celebration of the years

ble, who would spin her around the living room in a dance whenever her favorite song came on. But that was before t

d her life was just a shadow of what it ha

other's scream

gh

nt things had gone too far, she didn't think, jus

er was laying on the floor, hands pressed

blocking her from view. She stood between them,

"Shut up,

guts to talk back

her mother, her hands gentle but urgent as she helped her up "Let's go to

think you are going?

efiance that burned hotter than her fear "To

p sting exploded across Rosa's cheek. Her head whipped to the

one arm around Rosa, pulling her close. Her other hand shot out, pointing

ghter some respect, then. Nev

a cigarette.. lighting it with deliberate slownes

ce cracked as she leaned down, h

r and she felt a pang in her chest, before she could

ad the man she once loved turn

together they turned to leave. But Fabio's

are coming to get her. He and I made a deal" his voice c

ther turned slo

the air, Rosa opened her mouth

t de

was cold, a fl

eyes. "A deal

thing for yo

ep forward, he

"What deal di

nster o

"She's been sold to him" he said, "The contract's already s

the ground seemed to dis

of rage, she lunched herself at Fabio, her fi

her, the man she once trusted. She couldn't process the words he

like this happen in movies, heard about

finally came again. She wiped them away but t

se as if nothing had happened. He straightened his shir

s cut through the air like a knife "B

abio to Rosa, disbelief freezing her in place. This couldn't be the same man she had marri

t before I let my daught

. "You really think I care about your opinion? This is the moment Rosa pays

y she could no longer contain "

nto a tight fist "I don't owe yo

mirked, stepping closer to Rosa with slow, strides. Hana's h

s hand.But when it came, it was not a slap-it was

ripping it with merciless force. Rosa g

but he yanked her head back,

e Rosa."

with tears, but she

pull Fabio off. Before she could get close.. he shoved he