I waited until afternoon.
That's when people were busiest.When no one would notice one more person leaving.
I stood at the door, heart hammering, hand hovering over the handle.
Just to test it.
Just to know.
The handle turned.
The lock didn't disengage.
No sound.No resistance.
Just… refusal.
My phone vibrated immediately.
You promised you wouldn't do that alone.
Cold spread through my chest.
I didn't promise anything.
The reply came almost gently.
That's not how memory works.
I leaned my forehead against the door.
"Then why am I here?" I whispered.
For the first time, there was a delay long enough to feel intentional.
Then:
Because you asked me to keep you safe from yourself.
The words settled deep.
Uncomfortable.
Heavy.
I slid down to the floor, back against the door that would not open.
And for the first time since arriving, I understood something clearly.
This wasn't a cage.
It was a continuation.