Finally, I was ready. I grabbed a small overnight bag, stuffing it with essentials and the evidence I had gathered. I slipped out of the bedroom, careful to avoid any creaks in the floor that might give me away. Once downstairs, I made my way to the back door, every instinct screaming at me to hurry, to escape before Dererick returned and discovered my deception.

The cold night air was a shock against my skin, but I welcomed it, the sensation grounding me as I fled into the darkness. I headed straight for my car parked down the street, not daring to use the one in our driveway. Once inside, I locked the doors and drove away, my hands gripping the wheel with white-knuckled intensity.

As I drove, I dialed 911, my voice steady despite the terror coursing through me. I explained everything, from the suspicions that had led me to investigate to the horrifying truths I had uncovered. The operator assured me that help was on the way, directing me to the nearest police station.