Freedom at Dawn

Leaving my abusive parents wasn't loud or dramatic. It was silent. I packed a backpack

at 5:42 a.m. while everyone slept. No note, because I was done apologizing for

existing. Three blocks away, he waited in his car. We drove as the

sun rose, and for the first time, I felt relief. Living with him,

I learned love doesn't hurt. Safety isn't earned. I flinched at loud voices even when

no one was angry. But he never tried to save me. He just stood beside me while I learned

to save myself. I left at dawn and finally became free.