**Freedom's Edge**

As the car finally came to a stop, Ashley let out a shaky breath. She had been bracing herself for what felt like an eternity, her mind racing with thoughts of escape and survival. Kody turned to her, his eyes wild and unpredictable. "Where are we going?" Ashley whispered, her voice barely audible. "Shut up!" Kody yelled, his face twisted in anger. The car screeched to a halt, and before Ashley could react, Kody dragged her out of the vehicle. She stumbled and fell onto the sandy ground, her injured abdomen throbbing in pain. As she looked around, she saw that they were at a beach pier. The sound of seagulls filled the air, and the smell of saltwater and fish wafted through her nostrils. Kody pulled her to her feet, his grip like a vice on her arm. "Cops are after me," he hissed, his eyes darting back and forth. "If you tell them anything, I'll find you. You'll never be safe." He spun her around, and Ashley caught a glimpse of the fear and desperation in his eyes. With a sudden release, Kody let go of her arm, and Ashley stumbled forward. She watched in a daze as Kody jumped back into the car and sped off, leaving her alone on the beach. Ashley stood there, frozen in shock, as the reality of her situation sunk in. She was free of Kody, but she was also haunted, stranded, and grieving. Her body ached all over, and she could feel the infection spreading through her abdomen. She was sick, and she knew she needed medical attention. As she looked out at the ocean, Ashley felt a wave of despair wash over her. She was alone, with no phone, no money, and no way to get help. The pier stretched out into the water, a long, deserted stretch of wooden planks. Ashley took a tentative step forward, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of life. She knew she had to keep moving, but her body seemed to be screaming in protest. Every step felt like a battle, and she couldn't shake the feeling that Kody was still out there, watching her. Ashley took another step, and another, her eyes fixed on the end of the pier. As she reached the edge of the pier, Ashley saw a figure walking towards her. It was a young man, with a friendly smile on his face. Ashley's heart skipped a beat as she wondered if she could trust him. She took a deep breath, and called out to him, her voice shaking with desperation. "Help me," she whispered, her eyes pleading for mercy.