She said she wanted to keep the baby—he nodded and drove her straight to a hospital.

Seeking refuge in the car

I had to get away - out of his influence, out of this overwhelming moment. Without looking back, I ran to the car, yanked the door open and let it slam shut with a muffled bang that felt like closure. My hands shook as I locked the lock - a feeble attempt to protect myself from whatever was brewing above me. For the first time, it was me who drew the line, who closed myself off to catch my breath amidst all the contradictory words and half-truths.

Outside my locked sanctuary

Drew stood outside, just a few steps away, trying his usual charm to reach out to me again. Between us, however, lay the locked car door - an invisible boundary that felt like an entire ocean. "Nina, please," he said, his voice wavering between pleading and frustration. But I didn't answer. Instead, I retreated deeper into my own silence, seeking support in it. Every tap of his hand against the glass made my façade tremble briefly, but I knew - I wasn't ready to let him back in yet.