In Episode 9 of After the Quiet, I explore the moment when something inside begins to push back — not through escape, but through exhaustion, numbness, and quiet resistance. This episode reflects on emotional shutdown, fear of leaving, the relief and confusion of a breakup, and the pull of love-bombing that leads to reconciliation. A deeper look at coercive control, emotional abuse, trauma bonding, and how hope and commitment can keep the cycle going long before a breaking point is reached.