It was still early—five in the morning—and the world outside was cloaked in darkness. I was already standing in front of the house. The silence around me was deep, almost as if it was swallowing every sound that dared exist. I wrapped my arms around myself as the cold morning air brushed against my skin. I still felt weak, a little dizzy, but it wasn’t enough to stop me from walking away.

I slipped inside quietly. I had no intention of explaining myself to anyone. I went straight to my room, not even bothering to change clothes.

The moment I locked the door, that’s when I broke down.

I collapsed...