The night air outside was cold, sharp against my face and I inhaled deeply, savoring the bite of it. But sadness still lingered, a heavy ache in my chest that no amount of fresh air could ease.
I didn't want to hear Leon's voice calling after me or any more of his cruel words, so I hurried down the stairs with my suitcase in hand. My foot, still sore from the glass shard, made each step painful, but I kept going.
Halfway down, my balance faltered. I slipped, landing hard on the stairs and my suitcase tumbled out of my grasp, rolling down the steps and scattering my belongings everywhere.
The hall was dimly lit, the quiet pressing in around me as I sat there, pain radiating from my foot and elbow. My clothes and a few personal items were strewn along the stairwell. I looked around, feeling a prickling behind my eyes. This was rock bottom—I couldn't sink any lower. I braced myself against the railing, attempting to stand, wincing as pain shot through my ankle.
Just then, a gentle voice called from behind me, soft and unfamiliar.
"Emily, do you need help?"
