“You can accept immediate help and still take your time,” she said.

I wanted someone to decide for me because I was exhausted.

I was also afraid of discovering later that I had mistaken relief for safety.

In the end, I agreed to go to Gavin’s estate in Crestview.

My attorney arranged how my personal belongings would be collected without requiring me to spend the afternoon alone with Patrick.

The written court order would still be reviewed.

Child-related questions would still be handled separately.