Chapter 12: The Pursuit of Freedom

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:45:24 +0000

I woke up at five in the morning, the world outside still cloaked in the quiet gray of pre-dawn. My heart was a frantic drum against my ribs, each beat a countdown to my escape. There was so little to pack: a phone, the clothes on my back, and one simple shawl to hide myself. As I prepared, my eyes fell on the silver-framed photograph I had found in the drawer. It was of a woman I didn't recognize, her face serene, her eyes holding a gentle wisdom. I had no idea who she was, but my hand instinctively reached for the frame.