“911, what’s your emergency?”
My voice came out in a whisper. “I think… I think something is wrong with my daughter. My husband—he’s in the bathroom with her. I need someone here. Now.”
“Are you in immediate danger?”
I looked back at the half-open door.
I didn’t answer right away.
Because I didn’t know.
“I don’t know,” I finally said. “But I think she is.”
The dispatcher’s tone sharpened instantly.
“Stay on the line. Officers are on their way. Do not confront him directly. Do you understand?”
I nodded—then realized she couldn’t see me.
“Yes.”
My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears.
Inside, I heard the timer beep.
A sharp, mechanical sound.
Then silence.
Then water moving.
I stepped back from the door, pressing myself against the wall like I could disappear into it. My hands were shaking so badly I almost dropped the phone.
“Ma’am, where are you right now?” the dispatcher asked.
“In the hallway,” I whispered. “Outside the bathroom.”
“Good. Stay there. Help is close.”
Seconds stretched into something unbearable.
Then—
Footsteps.
The water shut off.
The door opened.
I forced myself to look normal.
