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ADELINE’S POV

I was sitting on the couch when I heard the knock on the door. It was a loud, firm knock, the kind that makes your heart race.

I got up slowly, my legs feeling heavy as I walked to the door. When I opened it, I saw two police officers standing there, their faces serious but kind.

“Good afternoon, Miss Adeline,” one of them said. “We are here to inform you that your house arrest is over.

You are free to move around, but you must be ready to report to court when required.”

I felt a rush of emotions, relief, happiness, fear. “No problem,” I said, my voice trembling. “I’ll be ready.”

The officers nodded, then turned and left. I closed the door behind them and leaned against it, tears streaming down my face.

I had been locked in my house for a whole month, and now I was free. I cried for a long time, letting out all the pent-up emotions I had been holding in.

After I calmed down, I decided to take a shower. I let the hot water wash over me, feeling it cleanse not just my b