Your entry made me think of my kids. It's scary to say but I might have stayed in my first marriage, despite the abuse, except for the views your expressed so well in your entry: " All I know is that, in this place, you aren’t going to be afforded that opportunity. You’ve got a slim window to try and get out of here and make something of yourself. I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t do what I could to help you take that chance.”

I was (and still am) worried about what I can offer my children for their future. When I decided to leave their dad, I didn't even have my degree or a job. But I knew I could never forgive myself if I didn't help us leave so that they could have a chance.

When you wrote about Aunt Cara being stuck, it made me think of people who ended up having to stay in countries they were visiting much longer than they meant to, due to borders closing etc.

I hope you will continue this story and that Caleb makes it!