With Eleanor\u2019s steady grip on my hand, I managed to stand, still shaking from the cold. Her presence alone felt like something solid enough to hold onto.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you alright, dear?\u201d she asked gently.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot really,\u201d I admitted. \u201cBut I will be.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s get you warm,\u201d she said without hesitation.<\/p>\n
She led me to her car, shielding me from the rain. Inside, the warmth hit me instantly, and for the first time that night, I could breathe properly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere are we going?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy place,\u201d Eleanor replied. \u201cWe\u2019ll sort everything out in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the car moved through the storm, I stared out at the blurred lights, exhaustion and emotion finally catching up to me.<\/p>\n
\u201cEmma,\u201d Eleanor said softly, \u201cyou don\u2019t have to go back to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
The words settled deep inside me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know,\u201d I whispered. \u201cI just needed to hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n
She squeezed my hand. \u201cYou\u2019re strong. And you\u2019re not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
We arrived at her home\u2014a warm, quiet place that felt like safety itself. Inside, I was given dry clothes, tea, and space to finally stop holding everything in.<\/p>\n
Sitting by the fire, wrapped in comfort I hadn\u2019t felt in a long time, the night began to lose its sharp edges.<\/p>\n
Eleanor looked at me calmly. \u201cWe\u2019ll deal with everything tomorrow. For now, rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
And for the first time in a long time, I believed I could.<\/p>\n
I was safe. And I was ready for whatever came next.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"