Page 101 of Loving Violet
I hesitate, the silence stretching between us, and my eyes dart toward Austin. He’s standing beside me, his gaze locked on mine. There’s no pressure in his expression, only quiet reassurance. Slowly, he leans down, his face close to mine.
“You can do this, Vi,” he says softly, his voice steady and grounding. “You’re safe now, and I’m right here beside you.”
He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead, his warmth seeping into my skin like a balm against the cold fear lingering inside me. Then he sits beside me on the bed, taking my hand in his. His thumb strokes over my knuckles, a simple yet powerful gesture that steadies my trembling nerves.
I let out a shaky breath, my eyes flitting between Miller and Austin. “Okay,” I whisper, though my voice wavers.
I start from the beginning, forcing myself to push through the fog of fear and exhaustion. “I had just stepped out of the bathroom,” I say, my voice low but growing steadier as I continue. “I was walking back to the game when... I didn’t even see him. He hit me in the back of the head, and I blacked out.”
Austin’s hand tightens slightly around mine, grounding me as I push forward. I recount the moment I woke up in the cabin. I tell them about John’s unhinged rambling, how he bound my wrists and put tape over my mouth, the tunnel, the moment I saw a chance to escape.
My words flow in stops and starts, sometimes halting as the memories overwhelm me. Each detail feels like a wound being reopened, but I press on. I describe the damp, oppressive darkness of the tunnel, the way the air felt thick and stale, and the sheer panic that gripped me when I realized John was close behind as I ran into the woods.
By the time I finish, my throat feels dry, and my body feels like it’s been wrung out. Tears prick my eyes, but I blink them back, determined not to let them fall.
Miller nods solemnly, his face unreadable as he jots down notes. “Thank you, Violet. You did great. This helps more than you know.”
“I really don’t know why he did this. He has always been so nice to me, and his poor wife,” I say, sadness evident in my voice as I shake my head.
“We already interrogated John, and he admitted to sending you the letters. He has been charged, and we just need your statement to continue the process. As for why he did it, he claims he is in love with you.”
A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. “It’s all so surreal. I never saw it coming.”
Austin squeezes my hand, offering silent support.
Officer Miller continues. “We’re going to make sure he faces justice for what he’s done. Your cooperation is crucial in making that happen.”
“I understand,” I reply. “I’ll do whatever I can to ensure he can’t hurt anyone else.”
“Thank you, Violet,” Miller says, standing up. “We’ll be in touch if we need any more information. For now, focus on your recovery.”
After Officer Miller leaves, the nurse arrives with the discharge papers. She hands me the medication instructions and helps me prepare to leave.
“Home, sweet home,” Austin says softly as he helps me into a wheelchair.
As we head out of the hospital, I feel so exhausted. Austin stays close, making sure I’m comfortable and taken care of. The thought of finally going home makes me feel so relieved.
When we finally step through the door of my apartment, I breathe in the familiar scent and feel a wave of gratitude.
“We’re home,” I whisper, feeling Austin’s arm around my shoulders, grounding me.
“We’re home,” he echoes. The first thing I notice is the sound of Max’s nails scratching the floor as he runs toward us. I smile as Max approaches at full speed. He is jumping at my feet, trying to get some love from me. As I am about to go down and pick him up Austin does it for me. He brings Max close to me and I pet him while he is trying to get free of Austin’s arms. “Shhh, it’s okay. I am here now. I love you too,” I say to Max as he gives me kisses. After I am done petting Max, Austin puts him on the floor. Then I hear foot steps. I look up and see Adrian running in my direction. He hugs me tight. I feel so happy to have my baby boy in my arms. He’s getting so big, and at that moment, I vow to never take any moment with the people I love for granted. When Adrian is done hugging me, Josy takes his place.
"I'm so happy that you're okay. I love you, Violet. Don’t ever scare me like that again," Josy says, her voice trembling with emotion.
I laugh lightly at her words. "I'll try my best not to get kidnapped again so you don’t have to worry about me."
Josy chuckles and lets me go. We sit on the couch, and I recount what happened. With every retelling, I feel lighter. When I finish, Josy tells me about the messages she’s received from people in town. No one can believe that John would do something like that. She also mentions how devastated Miriam and the kids are about the news.
“I need to take a shower. I’ll be back soon,” I say, standing up.
As I walk to the bathroom, I hear Adrian, Josy, and Austin talking. When I get to the bathroom, I look at myself in the mirror for the first time. My right cheek is bruised purple, my hair is a mess, and I’m covered in mud. I take a deep breath and let the tears loose. Now, in the confines of my bathroom, I can finally let go of my stress.
Once I start crying, I can’t seem to stop. I’m overwhelmed with emotions I can’t control—from my experience with Taylor, to the letters I received over the past few months, how scared I was the night before, thinking I would never see Adrian or Austin again, and finally, how I felt when Austin declared his love for me.
I sink to the floor and keep crying. Suddenly, I feel strong arms embracing me from behind. Austin’s presence is solid and reassuring. My crying was so intense that I never heard him enter the bathroom and sit down behind me.
“It’s okay, beautiful. Let it all out. I’m here with you,” Austin says gently.
