Shady's obsession

17

I arrived at Marshall's house with tears streaming down my face. My heart was racing as I knocked on the door, hoping that he would be home. When he answered, his expression quickly changed from surprise to concern as he saw the state I was in.

"Come in," he said, his voice gentle.

I stepped inside and collapsed onto his couch, trying to catch my breath. Marshall sat down next to me and placed a hand on my back.

"What happened?" he asked.

I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself before speaking. "Justin hit me again," I said, my voice shaking.

Marshall's expression turned to one of anger and disbelief. "I can't believe he did this to you again," he said. "Are you okay?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm not okay. I'm so sick of this, Marshall. I can't take it anymore. I don't know what to do."

Marshall looked at me with empathy in his eyes. "You don't have to put up with this, Hazel. You deserve better than this."

I nodded, tears streaming down my face. "I know, but it's not that simple. I don't have anywhere else to go, and I don't have enough money to leave him."

Marshall put a hand on my shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone, Hazel. I'm here for you. We'll figure something out together."

I felt a sense of relief wash over me as Marshall spoke those words. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had someone on my side who truly cared about me.