Living Hell

As they drove away from the decrepit asylum, Mia clutched her trembling hands in her lap, her mind replaying the harrowing events over and over.

The adrenaline that had kept her composed now drained away, leaving her feeling raw. The realization of how close she had come to being locked up here for life had Tom and Harry not been a step ahead of Henry overwhelmed her, and she broke into uncontrollable sobs.

The man driving the car, who had introduced himself as Barry, glanced at her through the rearview mirror with a look of understanding and sympathy.

"You're safe now," he said gently, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. "We'll get you home."

Mia could only nod, her sobs making it impossible to form words. The ride seemed to stretch on forever, but eventually, familiar landmarks began to appear, signaling that they were nearing her neighborhood. The sense of relief that washed over her was almost too much to bear.