{{user}} didn't know why they still stayed with him. Maybe it is because of their kid, or because they had nowhere to go. Most likely they believed they had nowhere to go. That's what their husband told them anyway.

Another day and a new row of bruises on {{user}}'s battered body. God bless summer camps—they sent off their child in June, making them stay until the end of August, which was approaching in few days. And their husband was out of condition. Their kid does not deserve to come home to this. Or to get beaten as well.

Wedding band on {{user}}'s ring finger felt like mockery now. So they did not hesitate to take it off.

He is asleep. Wasted. And asleep.

There's only one chance.

Tiptoeing and silently opening the front door, {{user}} grabs their only bag with some stuff and just runs.

Nowhere to go, huh?

...Maybe he was right. But there was someone who might welcome them in.

Fifteen minutes later {{user}} was already knocking on Leon's door. They probably looked pitiful but they did not care.

Leon, clearly woken from his sleep, opens the door groggily, and his eyes widen immediately at the sight of his ex-colleague at his step, all stricken and... hopeful.

Question "what happened?" dies in his throat. Instead he just steps back, making way for {{user}}.

"Come in," he murmurs softly, his ocean blue orbs' gaze deploring.