ia's

bs and made even the smallest tasks feel insurmountable. Stomach pain followed, dull and constant, a nagging reminder of the life growing

roared through the living room as I s

y apron and straightening myself. The ache in my

his face twisted in irritation. "Do I ne

knew what that meant. His temper wasn't just a storm-it

grabbed his keys. Moments later, the door slammed behind him. I sagged

was always fleeting because he would come back-sometimes sober, so

was guarding with my life. Every day, I debated whether to tell Richard or continue pretending nothing had chan

on the edge of my bed, staring at the faded wallpap

ht, I might find someone willing to help m

etter than waiting for Richard's rage

by the window, looking out at the quiet street, and let myself dream of a diff

nights w

nd his fists ready to lash out at anything-or anyone. On those nights, I would hide in the b

tuary, the one place where

open jolted me awake. My heart leapt into my throat as I scrambl

ld take a step,

h alcohol. His hand shot out, gripping my wri

e going?" he growled, his

," I begged, try

the bed, his weigh

narled. "And tonight, we're do

gainst him. But his grip was iron,

nd unrelenting. I begged him to stop, tears

ed me off the bed, and I

winging out and connecting with my cheek. The force of th

ide me snapped. I couldn't let him hurt me

gers closing around the neck

he sound of glass shattering filled the room, and Richard stumbled

tunned. Then his knees buckled,

and my bag, stuffing a few essentials inside. My mind screamed at me to move faster, but my

time. He was unconscious, hi

there was n

the cold night, my heart pounding as

wake in. My breath came in ragged gasps as I hurried toward t

ghts flooded the street, and a car

e door opened, and a

n't Ri

their eyes was n

omewhere

amiliar, but filled wit

racing. Who were they? And

took a step closer, their h

the streetlight sent a

said, their tone leavin

could make a decision, the distant sound of sirens fi

muttered a curse under their breath

frozen in place, my mind strugglin

lized they weren't coming for me-

why, but one thing was clear: my es

street, my breath visible in the cold nigh

was long. And now, there were others watchin

legs to move, each step a battle again

elt alive, each one hiding

caped th

truly esca