Alongside those, I left behind every token Lorenz had ever given me—jewelry, trinkets, garments meant to silence me or keep me in place. I only packed what I had earned with my own labor: the modest yet steady earnings from selling my paintings.
When the donation box was ready, I loaded it into the car and set off for the orphan den where I had grown up. On the way, I stopped at a small market and grabbed some treats for the children—no matter how far I went, they would always be a piece of my heart.
Upon arriving, the woman who had raised me, my mother in all but blood, greeted me with open arms. We settled into a quiet corner, speaking like mother and daughter.
After a pause, I exhaled and shared my plans.
“I’m going to Italy to continue my studies,” I said, a small, determined smile on my lips. Her eyes lit up, and she grasped my hands warmly.
“Oh, Toni! I knew you were destined for greatness,” she said. “You deserve every bit of happiness coming your way.”
Her words soothed the knot in my chest, giving me the courage to continue. “I’m also… I’m divorcing Lorenz.”