Chapter 90

I excused myself from the conversation and rushed to the bathroom. Leaning against the sink, I gazed into the mirror, a sight that brought back haunting memories—memories of being confined in the basement and enduring nightly torment, memories of loathing the dawn of each day and despising the girl staring back at me.

But there was a stark difference now. I no longer viewed myself with disgust. I was no longer that girl who dreaded the light of each day. Just a few months ago, the thought of returning to that place would have filled me with fear, perhaps even just weeks ago. But that was not who I was anymore. I couldn't claim to feel excitement about it either, but I had come to accept my reality.

Steve and Connor's unsettling stories echoed in my mind. Deep down, I had always known that my father would eventually snap. The madness emanating from his eyes had been evident, manifesting in unpredictable outbursts of rage long before I had escaped. Over the years, those v