It takes her months to plan an escape through the front door. The woman quietly bides her time in the house, putting away a few pounds here, a few there; anything that wouldn't flag her partner's interest -- and temper. She weathers the daily verbal abuse, the bruises, the fear, telling herself that all of it will be done for good in a handful of weeks, days, hours. Finally, the day arrives: she hauls the strap of her pre-packed duffle bag over her shoulder and steps out of the house, closing the door behind her.
