"Since it's come to this, you can shut up forever!"

A face appeared before me - one I knew all too well.

It was Ben.

"You..."

My throat was squeezed so tight I couldn't speak. My life felt like it was in someone else's control. Helplessness and fear washed over me like a tidal wave.

The pain was indescribable. Every nerve in my body screamed in agony. My limbs thrashed helplessly, trying to break free from the hand crushing my throat, but it was useless.

I could feel my life slipping away, but I wasn't ready to die like this.

With my last bit of strength, I opened my eyes.

Through my blurry vision, I could see Claire smirking on the side, and Tom standing there nervously, doing nothing to help.

My heart felt like it had been ripped out and thrown into a frozen wasteland, dying completely in that moment.

A tear rolled down my cheek as I closed my eyes, accepting my fate.

Just when I thought I was about to die, chaos erupted around me, and police sirens blared from all directions.

The hand around my throat loosened in panic.

I gasped for air, collapsing to the floor. Then I heard them arguing.

Ben panicked, "Who called the cops?!"

Tom, usually such a coward, suddenly stood up.

"I won't be part of murder. That would ruin my life. This has to stop."

Claire screamed hysterically, like a madwoman, her sweet facade completely gone.

I gave a sad smirk as my strength faded and consciousness slipped away.

Later, I learned what happened from the female officer.

Tom, afraid of criminal charges, had called the police at the last minute, saving my life.

The police arrived just in time and arrested them both.

Their scandal eventually came to light, bringing shame and public condemnation.

They couldn't stay in the city after that. After a few days in jail, they left town with their tails between their legs.

My life returned to normal. One by one, those people left my life, and I returned to being alone.

And I realized - being alone was the freedom I truly wanted.