**Chapter 6: The Warning Signs**

Sarah's words hung in the air as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the river. Charlie felt a sense of trepidation as she listened to the woman who had been through hell with Travis. She had so many questions, but she didn't know where to start. "Tell me," Charlie said, her voice barely above a whisper. "What was it like being with Travis?" Sarah took a deep breath, her eyes clouding over as she began to recount her story. "It started out like any other relationship," she said. "Travis was charming, charismatic, and made me feel like I was the only person in the world. But as time went on, I started to notice things that didn't feel right." Sarah paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing. "He would get jealous and possessive, questioning me about every interaction I had with other men. He would show up at my work, unannounced, just to check in on me. And if I didn't respond to his texts or calls right away, he would get angry." Charlie's eyes widened as she listened to Sarah's words. She had experienced some of these behaviors firsthand, but she had brushed them off as Travis being possessive or caring. But hearing it from Sarah, she realized that it was more than that. "He would also isolate me from my friends and family," Sarah continued. "He would make me feel guilty for spending time with anyone else, saying that I was putting them above him. And if I tried to leave or distance myself, he would guilt trip me into staying." Charlie felt a chill run down her spine as she listened to Sarah's story. She had seen some of these signs in Travis, but she had ignored them, thinking that she was different, that he would never do that to her. "Why did you stay?" Charlie asked, her voice filled with empathy. Sarah's eyes welled up with tears as she replied, "I was in love with him, and I thought that he loved me too. I thought that he was just insecure, that he needed reassurance. But as time went on, I realized that it was more than that. He had a deep-seated need for control, and I was just a pawn in his game." Charlie felt a lump form in her throat as she listened to Sarah's words. She knew that she had to be honest with herself, that she had seen these signs in Travis too. And now, she was faced with a difficult decision. As they stood there, the stars beginning to twinkle in the night sky, Charlie knew that she had to make a choice. She could stay with Travis, hoping that he would change, or she could walk away, protecting herself from the potential dangers that lay ahead. Sarah seemed to sense Charlie's turmoil and took a step closer. "I know it's not easy, but I want you to know that you're not alone," she said. "I've been there, and I've come out the other side. You can too." Charlie looked at Sarah, her eyes filled with gratitude. She knew that she had been given a warning, a chance to change her path. And as she stood there, the river flowing gently in the background, she knew that she had to make a decision that would change her life forever.