**A Lifeline of Hope**

"Please, don't hang up," Ashley whispered into the phone, her voice shaking with desperation. The words felt like a plea to the universe, a cry for help that she desperately needed. The line was silent for a moment, and Ashley's heart sank, wondering if she had lost the connection. But then, a soft voice spoke, "Ashley?" "Paige," Ashley sobbed, relief washing over her. "Oh, Paige, I'm so sorry. I was so wrong. Please don't hang up. I'm scared, Paige. I'm so scared." The line went silent again, and Ashley could almost hear her sister's hesitation. "Ashley, what's going on? What happened?" Paige's voice was laced with concern, but also a hint of frustration. Ashley took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "He's going to kill me, Paige. I just know it. I was trying to...I was trying to call for help." Paige's voice turned stern. "Ashley, you have to get out of there. Now. But you have to be careful. You can't let him suspect anything." But before Paige could say anything else, Ashley heard the sound of footsteps approaching. She quickly glanced around the bathroom, her heart racing with fear. "Paige, I have to go. He's back." The line went silent, and Ashley knew Paige had hung up. She quickly ended the call, her heart sinking. She took a deep breath and turned to face the door as Zach stormed back into the bathroom. "Who were you talking to?" Zach demanded, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. Ashley tried to think fast, but her mind was a jumble of emotions. She forced a weak smile onto her face. "Just...just my mom. I was checking in." Zach's expression didn't change, but his tone turned cold. "Save it, Ashley. I'm not buying it." The air in the bathroom seemed to thicken, and Ashley felt like she was suffocating. She knew she had to tread carefully, but she also knew she couldn't keep living like this. She had to find a way to escape, no matter what it took.