Madison opened the fridge and poured Dunice a glass of water. "You were right about me, Madison," Dunice said, her voice shaking after gulping down the water.
Madison's expression turned from concern to surprise. "No, Dunice, I wasn't right. I hurt you this afternoon, and I feel so terrible about it."
Dunice's eyes welled up with tears. "No, you didn't hurt me, Madison. You were just trying to protect me. He's the one who hurt me... again." Her voice cracked as she spoke.
Madison's face contorted in anger and sadness. "That monster. I'm so sorry, Dunice. But we're getting out of here, and we'll make sure he can't hurt you again. The police have him now, and we'll start fresh somewhere safe."
"But how are we going to leave? We can't afford to just up and move," Madison said again, her voice laced with worry.