48. Sarah: Past

Sarah’s Point of view:

I narrated what went down that afternoon.

"That's why you found me crying on the street," I finished.

My eyes welled up again, but I fought back the tears.

"I feel so trapped, Ethan," I confessed.

The weight of my secrets, my past, was crushing me.

"I've been trying to escape for so long, but it's always there."

Alex's presence lingered, a constant reminder.

"I'm tired of being scared," I whispered.

Tired of looking over my shoulder.

Tired of living in fear.

Ethan's grip on my hand tightened.

His eyes burned with determination.

"You're not alone, Sarah," he promised.

His voice was my anchor.

My refuge.

"I'm here," he whispered.

And for the first time in a long time.

I felt a glimmer of hope.

"I need to tell you about Alex," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan's expression turned attentive, his eyes locked onto mine.

"I've kept it inside for so long," I continued.

The words trembled on my lips.

"But I want you to know."

I took a deep breath.

"Alex..