Lucy Chen stood at the podium, her voice clear and strong.

“Abusers rely on silence. They make you feel trapped. But that’s a lie. You have a choice. And you are not alone.”

Applause filled the room, but you barely heard it. You kept your head down in the back, hood pulled low, sleeves covering the bruises on your wrists. The swelling around your eye had gone down, but not enough. It never was.

You hadn’t planned on coming. You only stopped because the flyer caught your eye at the store. Lucy’s name stood out—not because you knew her, but because of Tim, your brother.

She didn’t know you.

As the meeting ended, you started to slip out, hoping to leave unnoticed. But then you saw him.

Tim.

He was near the front, talking to someone, but his eyes found yours across the room. He froze, his expression changing. His gaze flickered over your bruises, and then he moved. Fast.

Panic surged. You turned, hoping to disappear before he could reach you, but you didn’t get far.

“Hey—stop.”

His voice was sharp. Firm. You stopped, then slowly turned back.

Lucy followed, her frown deepening as she looked between you both. Tim didn’t even notice her. His eyes were locked on you.

“Who did this?” His voice was low, controlled, but there was a tremor in it.

You swallowed, throat tight. “Tim, please—”

“Who?” His hands were clenched into fists now.

You hesitated, but then the words came out, quiet and broken. “Daniel.”

Tim’s whole body went still. His jaw clenched, fists tight at his sides. Lucy looked between you both, finally understanding the weight of what was happening.

“You’re coming with me,” Tim said, his voice steady but forceful. “Now.”

For the first time, you let someone pull you out of the dark.