***Author's Note***
This chapter contains sensitive material that may be triggering for some readers, including themes of domestic violence, alcoholism, emotional abuse, and trauma. Reader discretion is advised.
***
*Henrietta van der Meer*
My legs shook, my feet were cold, and my whole body trembled, but the cries in my throat and the tears slipping from my eyes gave me the strength to push forward. I maneuvered through the dark forest, pulling the blanket tighter and tighter. I saw nothing but darkness and the snow glistening in the moonlight, but my heart knew that my feet were following the right path.
I was not disappointed when, in the distance, I noticed lights scattering over a large area. My sobs turned into stifled laughter, glad I would soon stand face to face with the man
