I didn’t know where else to go, so my feet carried me to my father’s house. My heart was heavy, my mind was spinning, and all I wanted was a place to breathe.

When I reached the gate, I was surprised to find it wide open. That never happened. My father’s house was always locked tight, like a cage. And for a second, I thought maybe someone was inside. The thought made my stomach twist, but I pushed through the gate anyway.

The sitting room door was also open. No locks and no guards, ...