"It's not all Giana's fault. We're to blame too. We're always traveling for work, so we haven't been around for them. But still, it's only been two months, but why has Giana lost so much weight?"
Bradyn's mother gently interrupted, trying to ease the tension.
Only then did everyone realize how much weight I'd lost. My once-round cheeks, which my parents had affectionately teased for their baby fat, had now sunken in, leaving me gaunt.
How could I not have lost weight? I had endured endless torture, going without food was the least of it. Most of the time, the pain would knock me out cold.
My parents, though busy, had always doted on me. I had grown up sheltered, never knowing cruelty or hardship.
The two months in that mental hospital nearly pushed me to the brink of insanity.
If not for that lucky charm, would I have even survived to see my parents again?
Everyone was staring at me, clearly puzzled. Bradyn's mother even came over to pinch my cheek.
"You have lost a lot of weight."
I tried to speak, but Kelsie quickly cut me off.
"Ms. Miranda thought she was getting a bit chubby and wanted to lose some weight. Bradyn has heard her say that, haven't you?"