Emma stood in her bedroom. Suitcase open on the bed. Clothes folded beside it.

Her hands shook. Her chest tight. Her mind spinning.

Leave. They had to leave. Get away from Daniel. From this house. From everything.

A knock on the door. Soft. Hesitant.

"Mom?"

Liam's voice. Emma turned. "Come in."

He entered. Looked at the suitcase. At the clothes. At his mother's face.

"You're really packing."

"We have to." Emma grabbed a shirt. Folded it. Placed ...