My hands trembled so violently that I struggled to zip the bag properly.
I took my passport from the drawer and slipped it inside, unsure where I planned to go.
All I knew was that I could not stay inside that house another minute.
I rushed down the marble staircase, nearly slipping because my feet moved faster than my balance allowed.
The living room appeared normal, silent, and unchanged, which made everything feel even more unreal.
I ran outside into the compound, breathing heavily under the bright afternoon sun.
Our gateman, Musa, sat quietly on his wooden bench near the gate as usual.
He looked up slowly when he saw my shaking body approaching him at full speed.
I screamed at him to open the gate immediately because I needed to leave at once.
He stood up calmly, dusting his uniform trousers without any sign of urgency.
His eyes looked different that afternoon, darker and strangely empty compared to his usual friendly expression.
