Emily reached out, and her small, cold hand gripped mine with surprising strength. I could feel the raw desperation in her touch, and it fueled the anger simmering beneath my calm exterior.

Mark shifted uncomfortably by the fireplace, clearing his throat. “She just had a panic attack. It’s not as bad as it looks.”

I shot him a look that silenced his feeble explanation. “This is beyond panic, Mark. What’s been going on here?”

He opened his mouth to respond, but Linda cut in, her voice smooth and practiced. “Emily has been under a lot of stress. We’ve been trying to help her adjust.”

“Adjust to what?” I asked, my gaze shifting between them. “Whatever’s happening, it’s not helping. She called me for a reason.”

Linda sighed dramatically, as if she were the one being inconvenienced. “Young women today, they’re so fragile. Always looking for an escape.”

“Escape?” I repeated, incredulous. “This isn’t about an escape. This is about getting her the help she needs.”

Emily’s grip tightened, and she shook her head. “Dad, please. Just take me home.”

Her voice was raw, filled with an urgency that couldn’t be ignored. I nodded, determined to get her out of here.

I stood, pulling her up with me. She swayed slightly, and I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering support. “We’re leaving.”

Mark stepped forward, his expression conflicted. “This is her home. She should stay.”

I fixed him with a steely glare. “A home is supposed to be a sanctuary, not a prison.”

Linda opened her mouth to protest, but I cut her off. “I don’t know what’s been happening here, but it ends now. Emily is leaving with me.”

Emily clung to my side as we made our way to the door, her steps slow and unsteady. As we reached the threshold, Linda’s voice followed us, cold and cutting. “You’re making a mistake.”

I turned, meeting her gaze with unwavering determination. “The only mistake was letting it go this far.”

With that, we stepped into the cool night air. Emily breathed deeply, as if trying to rid herself of the oppressive weight she’d been under.

The drive home was silent, save for the occasional sniffle from Emily. I reached over, squeezing her hand reassuringly. “We’ll get through this, Em. You’re safe now.”

She nodded, leaning her head against the window, watching the dark scenery pass by. In that moment, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But Emily was strong, and together, we would face whatever came next. Her battle was just beginning, but she wouldn’t face it alone.