CHAPTER SIXTEEN
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I watch as the police lead him away in handcuffs. I feel a sense of relief wash over me, but it's quickly replaced by a wave of emotions. I start crying again, hysterically, as the police try to comfort me.
"It's okay, ma'am. You're safe now," one of them says. "We've got him."
I nod, still sobbing, and make my way back to the house. I head straight for the bathroom, needing a moment to collect myself.
As I enter the bathroom, I'm greeted by my reflection in the mirror. I look a mess - my eyes are red and puffy, my face is streaked with tears, and my cheek is still throbbing from Kuda's slap.
I trace my fingers over the five fingers-shaped bruise on my cheek, wincing as I touch the tender skin. It still stings, a constant reminder of his cruelty.
I curse the day I ever met him. I curse the day I ever fell in love with him. I curse the day I ever thought he was worth staying with.
"Why did I stay with him for so long?" I ask myself, my voice shaking with anger and sadness. "Why did I let him do this to me?"
I look at my reflection, and for the first time, I see a survivor staring back at me. I see a woman who has been through hell and back, but who is still standing.
"I'm done," I say to myself. "I'm done with Kuda. I'm done with the abuse. I'm done with the pain."
I take a deep breath, and for the first time in years, I feel a sense of hope. I feel a sense of freedom.
I stand under the showerhead, letting the warm water wash away my tears. But even as I cry, I know I need to be strong. I need to keep moving forward.
As I sit down on the shower floor, my head in my hands, I can't help but wonder what would have happened if I hadn't escaped. What if the kids had arrived early and witnessed the abuse again? The thought sends a shiver down my spine.
I quickly push the thought away and focus on my next steps. I need to see a lawyer. I need to get a restraining order and to file for a divorce. I need to protect myself and my kids.
I step out of the shower and dry myself off. I put on a simple outfit, not bothering with makeup . I don't need any of that now. I just need to be strong..l head out the door, ready to face whatever comes next.
I arrive at the offices and ask to see one of the best lawyers. After a brief wait, I'm referred to a sharp-looking woman with a kind smile. She introduces herself as Lawyer Chiedza and asks how she can help me.
Me : I want to file for a divorce .
she nods and quickly gets to work.
Chiedza :Okay, let's get started. I'll need you to sign these documents.
She hands me a stack of papers, and I don't hesitate. I sign every single one, determined to be free of Kuda once and for all.
Me : I'll make sure to get these to Thomas myself .
I say feeling empowered. But Chiedza bursts my bubble.
Chiedza ' Actually, I'll be the one to drop them off to him. It's standard procedure.
My heart sinks. I understand. It's not about revenge; it's about moving forward.
Me : Okay
I follow her into the police station, my heart filled with anticipation. We ask to see Kudakwashe, and the police officers look at each other nervously.
"Ah, yeah...about that..." one of them starts.
My instincts start screaming at me to run, but I'm frozen in place.
"He escaped," the officer finally says, his voice barely above a whisper.
I feel like I've been punched in the gut. I drop to the floor, my legs giving out beneath me.
Me : No, no, no...(whispering)
Chiedza tries to help me up, but I shake her off. I know what this means. Kuda is going to come for me. He's going to finish what he started.
I can feel his eyes on me, even now. I know he's out there, watching me, waiting for his chance to strike.
I'm trapped in a nightmare, and I can't wake up.
Chiedza : You better find him, otherwise, this station will be sued ( voice firm and authoritative)
She helps me up, but my mind is miles away. I'm still trying to process the fact that he escaped.
"We'll get him. Don't worry,"
But I know it's not going to be easy. kuda is a master manipulator, and he'll stop at nothing to get what he wants.
The lawyer drops me off at my place, and I practically collapse onto the couch. I feel so overwhelmed and scared.
I don't know what to do with myself, so I just scream. I scream until my lungs are hoarse, hoping that maybe someone will hear me, or maybe whatever is stuck in my chest will finally be released.
But the screams are met with silence. And I'm left alone, curled up on the couch, feeling helpless and trapped.
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