«Who Needs You Anyway?»
«Max, please, let me go… We tried to build a life together, but it didnt work. Why keep torturing each other? Lets just get a divorce.»
«Over my dead body,» her husband sneered. «Youre not going anywhere. Youre my wife, Im your husband, and this is our family. What, is life so terrible? Or have you fallen out of love? Or is there someone else? Answer me when Im talking to you!»
***
Emily sat on the edge of the sofa, nervously twisting the fringe of her blanket. After yet another row with her husband, she wished she could vanishjust disappear from his life forever. Divorce was an option… but she couldnt muster the courage to file. Two years of marriage now felt like a nightmare, especially these last six monthsMax had somehow turned into a merciless little tyrant, always finding new reasons to pick at her.
That morning had started with what seemed like nothing. Emily had ordered herself a new face cream.
«Wasting money on nonsense again?» Maxs voice cut through the air as she walked in with the parcel.
She tried to explain, but he wasnt listening.
«Do you even think about us? Or is it just you, your highness? Fancy cream, was it? Couldve spent it on something usefullike helping my parents.»
«Max, come on, its not like that. I work, its my own money. And I *do* help your parents, you know that.»
«Oh, please. A few quid here and there! They need real help, understand? Youre selfish, Em. Always thinking about yourself. Blowing your wages on potions for your face and rubbish clothes!»
His voice grew louder, his eyes flashing. Emily couldnt take it and burst into tears. Max, as usual, slammed the door, leaving her alone with her sobs and a crushing sense of helplessness. He always did thispushed her to the edge, then walked away.
…She remembered how it all began. Max had seemed perfectattentive, caring, loving. But slowly, something changed. Or maybe shed never seen the real Max until now.
That evening, he came back. Emily sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea.
«Crying again, are we?» he asked, not looking at her.
«No… You just hurt me.»
«I hurt *you*? You brought it on yourself. Think before you act.»
«What am I doing wrong?» Emily whispered.
«Everything! You dont even try. I work, Im exhausted, and you? Half the day tapping at a keyboard, the other half lounging about!»
«I work too, just as hard as you,» she shot back, instantly regretting it.
«Your job? Barely pays a thing! *I* support this family. You should be grateful, Em. In all our years together, have I ever heard a thank you? I deserve it!»
«I *am* grateful, Max… But that doesnt mean you can talk to me like this.»
«Oh, how *should* I talk to you? Youre never happy. And that whiningGod, it drives me mad! Always playing the victim!»
The disgust in his voice made her physically ache.
«I dont understand whats happening,» she murmured. «Why are you like this?»
«Do things right, dont annoy me, and well be fine.»
Emily looked at him. There was no warmth left in his eyesonly irritation.
«Maybe we should talk,» she suggested. «See a couples counsellor?»
«A counsellor? *You* need a shrink. Youre the one making up problems.»
After that, she knew she had to leave. Max wolfed down his dinner and went to watch telly, while she pulled out an old notebook and started planning her escape.
***
The next day, Emily left early. She stopped at a café, needing quiet to think. Over coffee, she opened her notebook and wrote:
«Step one: Find part-time work. Need more money. Step two: Rent a flat or room. Step three: Pack essentials. Step four…»
«Em?» A familiar voice made her look up. It was Sarah, an old school friend.
«Sarah! What a surprise!»
«Been ages,» Sarah smiled. «What brings you here? Working nearby?»
«No, just needed space to think,» Emily said vaguely.
«Something wrong? You look rough. Feeling ill?»
It had been so long since anyone asked. She hadnt told her parentsdidnt want to worry themand Max had slowly cut off her friends. The kindness broke her.
«Sarah, its bad,» she choked out. «Maxhes relentless. Criticises, humiliates me. I cant take it anymore. I think he might hit me soon. Hes raised his hand a few times…»
Sarah listened without interrupting.
«I want to leave,» Emily whispered. «I do, Sarah! But Im scared. Dont know where to start. How will I live?»
«Em, *go*. Dont worry, I wont leave you hanging. Ill help however I can.»
«Really?!»
«Of course! First, youre not alone. Stay with me for a bitremember my place? Second, dont be afraid to ask for help. There are free counselling services for… situations like this.»
«I had no idea,» Emily admitted.
«Now you do. And listenyoure stronger than you think.»
They met again after work. Two hours later, Emily felt like a different person.
***
That night, Max was waiting when she got home. He sat in his armchair, glued to the telly.
«Where were you?» he asked flatly.
«Out.»
«Youre out a lot lately. Got a boyfriend?»
Her blood ran cold.
«How *dare* you?»
«Wouldnt put it past you. Sly little thing.»
Emily exhaled slowly. «Max, enough. I wont listen to this.»
«What *do* you want to hear? Sweet nothings? Tough.»
She steadied herself. «We need to talk.»
«About what? Your affairs?»
«No. About us. Our marriage.»
«And?»
«I want a divorce.»
Max stared.
«You *what*?»
«I cant live like this anymore. You belittle me, criticise me. Im miserable with you.»
«Youve lost it! Divorce? Youd be *nothing* without me. You should be thanking me!»
«I dont owe you anything. I deserve happiness.»
«Happiness? You think youll find that alone? Youre *nothing* without me. *No one* wants you.»
She stayed silent. No more arguing. Her mind was made.
«Im leaving tomorrow,» she said calmly.
«Wherell you go?» Max snarled. «Youve got *nothing*!»
«Not your concern. Ill manage.»
«Ill make your life hell!» he roared. «Ill find you, and youll *regret* the day you were born! Ungrateful witch! I *made* you!»
Emily turned and walked to the bedroom. Time to pack.
Max slept on the sofa. That night, Emily lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Fear gnawed at herfear of being alone, of never finding happiness. But most of all, fear of staying.
Morning came. She dressed quietly and went to the kitchen. Max was at the table, drinking coffee.
«Youre not going anywhere,» he said. «Try to run while Im at worksee what happens.»
«My minds made up.»
«I *forbid* it!»
«Stop it, Max»
«Are you *deaf*?!»
He stood, advancing on her. Emily backed away.
«Dont come near meMax, *stop*!»
He shoved her against the wall. Her head hit the plaster, and she crumpled to the floor. The man shed once loved raised his fist. Emily shut her eyes, bracing for the blow…
