But I knew one arrest could not solve everything. Julian controlled their money, the house, and most of Clara’s personal documents. She had no independent savings and nowhere obvious to go.
A domestic violence advocate arrived that morning. She explained Clara’s options, including emergency accommodation, legal protection, and assistance recovering essential documents without returning to the house alone.
Clara listened quietly. Then she whispered, “I don’t know how to live without asking his permission.” The sentence hurt me more than anything Julian had shouted during the entire ordeal.
I had planned to move into Willow Creek Retirement Community that week. My application had already been approved, and the apartment was ready. But I could not abandon Clara.
So I made a decision.
I told Clara she would not have to face the next few days alone. We would work with the advocate to find somewhere safe, and I would help however I could.
