I finally did it. With my bag slung over my shoulder, I slipped out the door as quietly as I could, my heart racing as I left behind the house that had held me captive for so long. The sound of his yelling echoed in my mind, but for the first time it didn't stop me. I didn't look back. I'm free now, and even though I'm scared of what comes next, I know anything is better than living in fear under his roof.
I showed up at Ava's doorstep in the middle of the night, trembling and out of breath. As soon as she opend the door, her eyes went wide, and I couldn't hold back tears any longer. I told her everything in a rush-the running, the fear, leaving him behind for good. She didn't ask any questions, just pulled me inside and hugged me tight. For the first time in forever I felt like I wasn't alone like maybe I hade somewhere safe to stay.
I'm lying on Ava's couch, wrapped in a blanket that smells like her laundry detergent, feeling strangely safe for the first time in ages. The house is quiet except for the soft hum of the fridge, and I can hear her breathing quietly from the chair across the room, keeping me company without saying a word. It's hard to believe I'm actually here, away from him, away from everything. My mind is racing, but my body is so tired. As I close my eyes, I finally feel a sense of calm start to settle in—I'm not home, but for now, this is enough.
woke up to the smell of pancakes drifting through the air, and for a moment, I forgot where I was. The warmth of the blanket and the faint sound of Ava humming in the kitchen brought it all back—I wasn't at home. I had really left. The ache in my chest softened just a little as I sat up, the comfort of something so normal making me feel safe. I never thought waking up to pancakes could mean so much, but after everything, it feels like a small piece of hope.
Sitting at Ava's kitchen table, I poked at the pancakes on my plate, trying to find the words. "I still can't believe I actually left," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. Ava looked at me, her eyes filled with concern but also relief. "You did the right thing," she said, taking a bite and nudging the syrup toward me. "You couldn't stay there any longer." I nodded, swallowing hard. "I know, but it's just...weird, you know? Like, what now?" Ava smiled softly. "Now, you're safe. We'll figure the rest out together."