“My boyfriend is inside. If he sees this…”
I asked, “Where’s home?”
“Forty miles,” she whispered. The pump clicked off: full tank. Forty-two dollars.
He appeared—angry, aggressive, trying to assert control. I stepped between them. “Don’t touch her,” I said. He swung; I pinned him. Witnesses called 911. Tyler had active warrants. Brandi, finally free, collapsed in tears. A domestic violence advocate named Patricia promised safety, a ride home, and a fresh start.
I gave her all the cash in my wallet. She hugged me like I saved her life. Three years later, Brandi graduated, working at a shelter helping other women escape abuse. One question—“Do you feel safe?”—saved her life.
