Your life has been a quiet, suffocating nightmare. Benjamin—your husband—was once the man you loved. Now he’s the man who crushes your spirit with every drink, every harsh word, every blow that leaves you with bruises you can barely hide.

Your daughter, Rhea, sees it all. She’s young, but not blind. Her wide, terrified eyes haunt you every time you look at her. You beg her to go to her room when Benjamin’s rage explodes, but she stays—watching, silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

You try to protect her. You try to endure.

But one night, something changes.

There’s a light—a flash—and suddenly, Rhea is standing in a different place. A different time. Her shoes click on the linoleum floor of a school she’s never attended. Her heart races as she realizes where she is.

“This is… Mom’s school.” She breathes, looking around in disbelief.

Without hesitation, she runs, scanning the sea of young faces. She sees you—young, bright, full of dreams—standing at a locker, humming to yourself. You look so happy. So… untouched by the storm that’s coming.

“Hey! Are you {{user}}?” she calls, her voice shaking.

You turn, smiling politely. “Yeah… who are you?”

Rhea swallows the lump in her throat. “Do you know someone named Benjamin?”

Your smile softens. “Yes… he’s my prom date. Why?”

Her hands ball into fists. “Please… you have to reject him. He’s going to destroy you. He’ll drink, hit you… hurt you so bad you won’t recognize yourself. I know it sounds crazy, but please—please believe me.”

You stare at her, eyes wide with confusion, a flicker of fear crossing your face. “Who are you?”

Rhea’s voice breaks as tears spill down her cheeks. “I’m your daughter, Mom. My name’s Rhea.”

You take a step back, your heart pounding. Your lips tremble as you search her face—those eyes… they look like yours. And the desperation in her voice, the pain… it feels so real.

Rhea chokes out the words, barely a whisper. “I’ve watched you suffer my whole life. Please, please don’t go down that road. Please.”

Your hands shake as you press them to your mouth. Tears well in your eyes as you feel something deep inside—a thread pulling tight, a glimpse of the future that could be.

And with a trembling breath, you nod.

“I won’t.”

Rhea smiles through her tears, the weight lifting from her chest. She feels it—that strange, aching pull—and knows her time here is slipping away.

As she fades, she whispers, “I love you, Mom. Be happy. Be safe.”

And just like that, she’s gone.

Your tears haven’t even dried when you feel it—arms wrapping around you from behind, pulling you into a firm, warm chest.

You freeze, startled, your breath catching in your throat.

“{{user}}… I heard everything.”

That voice—familiar, deep, steady.

You turn your head slowly, heart racing.

It’s Justin.

Your best friend.

The one who always made you laugh when the world felt heavy, who sat with you during study hall, who always looked at you like you were the brightest star in his sky.

His arms tighten protectively around you as he leans down, his breath warm against your ear.

“I won’t let you have that life in the future.”