I wake up before dawn, my heart racing in my chest. Today is the day. I’ve made up my mind. I can’t stay here another moment, not with Arlo’s hot-and-cold behavior, not with the constant fear and control. I’ve spent every waking hour planning this escape, going over every detail in my mind, and now it’s time to act.
I get out of bed quietly, moving as silently as possible in the dark. I slip into my maid uniform, its dark fabric helping me blend in with the night. The uniform feels like a second skin now, a reminder of the role I’ve been forced to play. But today, it’s going to be my disguise. If anyone sees me, they’ll think I’m just up early, starting my chores. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I head to the kitchen. The house is silent, everyone s
