Chapter Thirty Seven

The hallway felt colder than usual as I walked toward the phone, the weight of my decision pressing heavily on my shoulders. Each step seemed to echo in the silence, amplifying the gravity of the situation.

Doubt and uncertainty swirled within me, but I knew deep down that I had to follow through with my choice, no matter how difficult it may be.

I reached the end of the hallway and entered the living room, the familiar space now imbued with a sense of tension. The room, once filled with warmth and laughter, now felt hollow and empty. The photos on the walls, capturing cherished memories, seemed to mock me, reminding me of the fragile nature of trust.

Taking a seat on the couch, I closed my eyes briefly, trying to steady my racing thoughts. The phone sat on the coffee table before me, its presence a stark reminder of the task at hand. I took a deep breath and picked up the receiver, the weight of it grounding me in reality.

Dialing the number for the local authorities, my hand trembl