**Stuck Like a Leech**
«Listen, why are you nagging me? I’m working, alright?! I’m doing this for us, for the family. What kind of stupid question is that? Where else would I be except at work? Youre the one mooching off me, living the easy life while I break my back!»
…Lara had married Edward three years ago. Hed courted her relentlesslyonce even climbed a tree in front of all their friends and declared hed do anything for her.
The memory made her sick. She never imagined that just eighteen months after the wedding, everything would change. Edward had stopped seeing her as a womanjust a housekeeper, a cook, a nanny, a sounding board. A wife? A lover? No. He stopped noticing her, stopped bringing home little gifts. He even forgot her birthday. She tried talking to him, asking what was wrong, but hed just shrug and say, «Everythings fine.»
After their son was born, it got worse. While she was still in the hospital, Edward moved her things into the nursery. When she stared at him in disbelief, he just shrugged.
«Whats the problem? As his mother, you should be with him. Im the only one bringing in moneyI need proper rest. Its simple, Lara. A baby doesnt sleep through the night. Should I go to work exhausted?»
Lately, Lara couldnt shake the feeling that she wasnt the only woman in Edwards life. Hed always worked late, but now there was an edge to it. If she dared ask where hed been, hed snap:
«Bloody hell, why the interrogation? Im working! Providing for this family! What do you even do all day? Sitting around like a leech!»
It stung. Maybe she was overreacting. Maybe he really was just putting in extra hours. The overtime pay was good, after all.
…She woke to silenceEdward had already left. No «good morning.» No breakfast together. Not since the baby was born, when hed banished her to the nursery. Their marriage, once solid, now felt like a house of cards.
Lara picked up her phone and called him. It rang forever before he answered, voice clipped.
«What? Im busy!»
«II just wanted to say have a good day. You left so early…»
Edward scoffed. «Thats why you called? Ive got meetings, Lara. I dont have time for this clingy nonsense. Youre like a bloody leech!»
He hung up. Lara swallowed the lump in her throat and dragged herself up. The baby would wake soonshe had to pull herself together. Figure out how to keep living like this.
In the bathroom mirror, red-rimmed eyes stared back. Her hair was a mess, her cheeks hollow. She barely recognized herself.
«Look at you,» she whispered. «A worn-out mum. A leech.»
She washed her face and slipped into the bedroom for fresh sheets. Then she noticedsomething was missing.
The box. The one shed bought for their anniversary. A little surprise, something to remind him she was still his wife.
«Did he move it?» she muttered.
Two hours later, with the baby fed and napping, she tried calling again.
«Edward, we need to talk. Properly.»
«Not now.»
«Tonight, then?»
«I just want to relax, not listen to your whinging!»
«But you dont even look at me anymore! You dont care how I feel!»
«Oh, here we go.» He sighed. «Look, youve let yourself go. The bags under your eyes, the weightits normal after a baby, but Christ, Lara, put some effort in. And the cooking? Last weeks dinner was inedible. Juststop calling. Well talk at home.»
She didnt bother him again. Before he returned, she showered, dabbed on makeup, even tried styling her hair. She met him at the door with a smile.
He scowled. «Whats this? Dressed like a clown? That dress is hideous. Change. Now.»
She slapped him. Hard. Then fled to the bathroom, scrubbing her face raw. The dress went in the bin. Edward didnt carejust turned on the telly and ignored her.
Later, she confronted him about the missing box.
«Where is it?»
«What box?»
«The one from the chemist. The you know.»
Edward exploded. «Are you accusing me of giving them to someone else? Youre insane!»
The fight escalated until he finally spat it out.
«Fine! I took them. And Im leaving. Ive wanted to for ages. Theres someone else.»
«How long?» Her voice was eerily calm.
«Before Liam was even born. You were unbearablealways whining, demanding attention. Shes better in every way. Know why? She cant have kids.»
Lara turned and walked out. No tears. Just relief.
Edward moved out. The divorce was quiet. He paid child support but barely saw Liam.
Good riddance.
Shed never forget his words. **Leech. Clown.**
But shed survive.
