Later, a social worker offered me support, resources, and a place to stay. For the first time, someone treated me like I mattered.
I answered only one call after that, which was from my mother. “I am here, I am not leaving,” I told her, and she whispered that I did the right thing.
That afternoon, I returned to the apartment with police escort to collect my belongings. Tyler followed me and asked helplessly, “What am I supposed to do now?”
I looked at him and said, “Learn, but not with me.” Then I left with my bags, my friend beside me, and peace I had never felt before.
What was unthinkable to them was that I would leave. What shocked me was how long I had stayed.
