**Shattered Reflections**

Ashley curled up against the locked bathroom door, her body wracked with sobs as she clutched her knees to her chest. The echoes of her own despairing cries still lingered in her mind, a haunting reminder of the horrors she had endured. As she wept, the sound of Zach's angry voice sliced through the air, making her tremble with fear. "I'm going out to the bar, bitch!" he yelled, his words dripping with malice. Ashley froze, her heart racing as she listened to the sound of footsteps stomping out of the room, followed by the slam of the front door. She let out a shaky breath, her body sagging against the door as the tension in her muscles eased. For a moment, she simply sat there, letting the silence wash over her. The bathroom was her sanctuary, a tiny space where she could temporarily escape the terror that had taken over her life. She knew it was only temporary, that Zach could come back at any moment, but for now, it was enough. As she sat there, Ashley's mind began to wander to the possibility of escape. She had been thinking about it nonstop, trying to come up with a plan, but every time she thought she had a glimmer of hope, fear and self-doubt crept in. What if she got caught? What if she had nowhere to go? The questions swirled in her mind like a toxic storm, making her feel dizzy and disoriented. But as she listened to the silence outside, Ashley began to feel a spark of determination ignite within her. She knew she couldn't stay here, not after what had just happened. She had to take a chance, no matter how small. Slowly, Ashley got to her feet, her legs trembling as she approached the sink. She splashed some water on her face, trying to wash away the tears and the fear. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she saw a glimmer of the person she used to be, the person she wanted to be again. With newfound resolve, Ashley began to rummage through her purse, searching for her phone. It was her lifeline, her connection to the outside world. She knew she had to be careful, that Zach could come back at any moment, but she also knew she had to try. As she scrolled through her contacts, Ashley's fingers hovered over a name, her heart racing with anticipation. She took a deep breath, her hand trembling as she pressed the call button. The ringing sound seemed to echo through the bathroom, a beacon of hope in a sea of despair. Please, she thought, her eyes closed in a silent prayer. Please answer.