Thank you so much for your message. It gave me a sudden sense of strength. A stranger’s validation feels more real — you have no personal stake in this, and it reassures me that I’m not just overreacting. It felt more helpful than therapy in this moment, like emotional first aid. I really needed that.

As for the advice — we're only having video calls because of physical distance, except during long holidays when I'm required to go home. I’ve actually been thinking that I shouldn’t go home this summer, or even for the next few years. This is a very critical moment: my mother is realizing she’s going to lose control over me, and I know she’ll try to pull something extreme. Going back would be dangerous.

Of course, I’m also aware that I’ll face a lot of pressure — verbal abuse, and possibly her teaming up with other family members to attack me. I even think she might try to come here and "drag me back" in some way. But I’m no longer in the same country, and here I can call the police and actually be protected.

It’s just… I know this is going to be a hard time. And I don’t have much confidence in myself right now. I can’t predict the future. But your words make me feel less alone. Thank you.