Although I was suffering from labor pains, my mother-in-law and my husband’s entire family closed the door and went on a trip… when they returned the next day and didn’t find me, they were distraught to see a sign that said: “house sold”.

A fierce hatred surged through me, transforming into a surge of adrenaline that pushed me to move toward the TV stand where my phone sat five yards away. I began to crawl inch by inch, my nails scraping the floor until they bled, the metallic taste of blood in my mouth keeping me conscious.

My dress was soaked with fluid and sweat, leaving a trail behind me like a wounded animal struggling for survival. Finally, my trembling hand clamped around the phone, and I managed to wipe the blood off the screen to dial emergency services.

“Help me,” I whispered hoarsely when the operator answered. “I am in labor and trapped at home at 402 Aspen Court in the Oak Ridge Estates.”

I dropped the phone as another wave of pain hit, but I knew I had one more call to make to the only person I could trust. I dialed the number for Bridget, my best friend and a high powered attorney, who answered on the second ring.

“Valerie, what is going on at this hour?” Bridget asked, her voice instantly shifting to concern when she heard me sobbing.

“Bridget, please help me, Dominic and his family locked me in the house and left for their trip while I am in labor,” I managed to choke out between gasps.