CHAPTER 9
COPING STRATEGY
Gabriella appeared sullen and quiet all of a sudden, as if lost in her own world. Drawing a hand through her hair, Gabriella focused straight ahead and remained silent.
“You and Mariana were pretty close back there,” Liz said.
Gabriella fixed her gaze on Liz then shrugged. “She reminds me of me at that age.” Liz nodded and waited for more. “I can relate to her pain.”
When she didn’t go further, Liz said, “I found out that you’re telling the truth, and I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.”
Gabriella gave her a reassuring smile. “I guess you can say my Dad treated me like dirt, always controlling, demanding, never satisfied. He never hit me, but he made damn sure I witnessed his abuse of my mum. I was helpless then.”
Liz could hear the deep sadness in her voice. “
