They preserved the body-camera footage from the rescue.
They photographed the cage, the welded metal, the food tray, and the conditions in the basement.
They documented my injuries and the state of my pregnancy without requiring me to perform my suffering for anyone.
Marcus was arrested for torture, sexual assault, and attempting to murder a pregnant woman.
His mother was arrested for her role in the confinement, starvation, and abuse.
After I was removed, she tried one final time to bolt toward the stairs.
Agents stopped her and secured her behind the same cage door she had used to control me while they finished processing the basement.
It was temporary.
The meaning was not.
For months, that door had opened only when she chose to hurt me.
Now she stood behind it asking strangers for mercy.
I did not answer her.
Outside, the night air felt almost warm against my face.
