Chapter 7
Beyond the Divide: Forging a New Family Narrative
Jess continues to endure Ben's mental abuse while managing her bipolar and borderline personality disorder. She holds onto hope for reuniting her split family and remains determined to protect her children, keeping the hotline number and code word 'sunflowers' close as she waits for the right moment to act.
Each day, I moved through the house with careful steps. Ben’s presence was constant, his attention sharp. My mind stayed focused on the numbers and the word I had chosen—sunflowers. I kept the burner phone hidden, checking on it when I could. My bipolar and BPD symptoms pressed at the edges, but I tried to keep them contained.
Jamie watched me, searching for signs that things might change. Layla stayed close, her hand in mine whenever she could. Jermaine sometimes repeated Ben’s words, and I tried not to let it show when it hurt. I wanted to reach them, to remind them of the love that had always filled our home.
I waited for a safe moment to call again. Each day was a performance, every word measured. I held onto hope, repeating the code word in my mind. I was determined to protect my children and find a way to bring us back together.