Chapter 3 – The Locked Guest Room
That night Carol insisted on staying.
Patricia protested politely.
"Oh, the guest room hasn't been prepared."
"I don't mind," Carol replied.
"I do."
"I don't."
The conversation ended there.
Around midnight, Carol woke to the sound of soft footsteps.
She cracked open the guest-room door.
Emily stood in the hallway holding her back.
"I couldn't sleep," she whispered.
Carol invited her inside.
The moment the door closed, Emily finally told the whole story.
After the wedding, Ryan had convinced her to move into his parents' house "temporarily" while they saved money.
Temporary became permanent.
Patricia took over everything.
Emily's bank account.
Her mail.
Her doctor's appointments.
Even her phone plan.
Whenever Emily mentioned moving out, Ryan reminded her they couldn't afford it.
Whenever she asked for her own money, Patricia called her selfish.
Little by little, Emily stopped arguing.
"I don't even recognize myself anymore," Emily admitted.
Carol reached for her hand.
"We'll leave tomorrow."
Emily shook her head violently.
"I've tried."
"What do you mean?"
Ryan kept both sets of car keys.
Patricia monitored the security cameras.
The front door alarm chimed every time someone left.
Emily looked at the bedroom door.
"They always know where I am."
Carol felt a chill crawl down her spine.
This wasn't simply emotional abuse.
It was control so complete that escape itself had become frightening.
Then they heard footsteps outside.
May you like
Someone stopped directly beside the door.
Neither woman dared breathe.
