It was subtle, but enough to raise my suspicions. Then I heard a voice—not Daniela’s—but low and unfamiliar. Panic struck. My thoughts spiraled. Was she in danger? Was someone hiding in our home? I felt a cold knot in my stomach. Without thinking, I called the local authorities. The dispatcher was calm, instructing me to remain composed and avoid confrontation.

My heart raced as I waited, imagining every worst-case scenario. Minutes felt like hours. Then, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find two officers, their expressions serious, scanning the house quickly as I explained the situation. The officers knocked firmly on the bathroom door. “Police! Is anyone in there?” Silence followed, only the steady drip of water. After a tense pause, the lock clicked, and Daniela stepped out, wrapped in a towel