When Adaora arrived at her parents' home, it was nearly dawn. She banged on the door, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Adaora?" Her mother's voice was groggy and confused. The door opened, and Mrs. Okonkwo gasped at the sight of her daughter.
"Mama!" Adaora collapsed into her arms, shaking violently.
"What happened? Where is your husband?"
"Papa!" Adaora cried as her father joined them, his face lined with worry. "Papa, he's a monster. He…he was going to kill me!"
They guided her inside and gave her water to calm her down. Between sobs, Adaora recounted everything—the shrine, the strange rules, the party, and the conversation she overheard. Her parents listened in stunned silence.
"My God," her father whispered, clutching his head. "We warned you, Adaora. We warned you."
Her mother, though angry, held her close. "Thank God you escaped. You are alive, and that's what matters now."