And worse, her violent ex-husband Ryan, who had been searching for her across the city, would find her more easily if she ended up homeless.
Hannah looked at Sophie, drifting in and out of sleep.
She had no one to help.
So she made the only choice she could.
She dressed Sophie in extra clothes, wrapped her in blankets, and placed her in the rickety stroller she had bought for five dollars at a thrift shop.
She packed diapers, a bottle, and borrowed medicine from a neighbor. Then she pushed the stroller into the snowy streets.
The address led her to the Upper West Side.
Hannah had never been there before.
When she reached the destination, she froze.
Before her stood a massive mansion with towering iron gates decorated with lion heads.
She hesitated for a long moment.
Then Sophie whimpered weakly.
Taking a deep breath, Hannah pushed the gate. It opened silently.
A black stone path led through a silent garden filled with statues. She pulled the blanket tighter around Sophie and approached the front door.
The huge oak door opened with a light push.
Inside, the entrance hall felt enormous, like a cathedral. The marble floor reflected her small figure.
The air felt strangely cold and empty.