«Who Needs You Anyway?»
«Oliver, please let me go… We tried to build a life together, but it didnt work. Why keep hurting each other? Just lets divorce.»
«Dream on,» her husband sneered. «Im not letting you go. Youre my wife, Im your husbandthats how it stays. What, is life so terrible? Or have you stopped loving me? Is there someone else? Answer me when Im talking to you!»
***
Emily sat on the edge of the sofa, nervously twisting the fringe of the throw blanket. After yet another row with her husband, she wished she could vanish, disappear from his life for good. Divorce was an option But she couldnt muster the courage to file. Two years of marriage now felt like a nightmare, especially the last six monthsOliver had somehow morphed into a petty domestic tyrant, always finding new reasons to berate her.
It started that morning over something trivial. Emily had ordered a new face cream.
«Wasting money on rubbish again?» Olivers voice cut through the room as she returned with the parcel.
She tried explaining, but he wasnt listening.
«Do you even think about us? Or is it always just about you? Face cream, really? Couldve spent it on something usefullike helping my parents.»
«Ollie, why jump to that? I work; its my money. And Ive always helped your parents, you know that.»
«Pocket change, thats all you give! They need proper help. Youre selfish, Em. Always putting yourself first. Most of your wages go on potions for your face and clothes!»
His voice rose, eyes flashing. Emily couldnt hold back tears. Oliver, as usual, slammed the door, leaving her alone, helpless. He always did thispushed her to breaking point, then walked away.
…Emily remembered how it began. Oliver had seemed perfectattentive, caring, loving. But gradually, something changed. Or maybe shed just never seen the real Oliver before.
That evening, he returned to find her in the kitchen sipping tea.
«Been crying again?» he asked without looking at her.
«No… You just hurt me.»
«I hurt you? Your own fault. Think before you act.»
«What am I doing wrong?» she whispered.
«Everything! You dont even try. I work, Im exhaustedand you? Typing away half the day, lounging the rest!»
«I work just as hard as you,» Emily countered, instantly regretting it.
«Your job? Pennies! Im the one supporting us. You should be grateful, Em. Not once in our marriage have I heard a thank youthough Ive earned it!»
«I am grateful, Ollie… But that doesnt mean you can talk to me like this.»
«How else should I talk? Youre never happy. And that crying habit of yoursdrives me mad! Stop painting me as the villain!»
«Oliver… The problem is youre always angry. Im scared to speak, scared to buy anything, scared to even rest. I cant lie down after lunch! If you found out, youd scream at me. My nerves arent made of steelIm falling apart…»
«Spare me the drama. Always playing the victim. Makes me sick!»
The disgust in his voice made her ache inside.
«I dont understand,» she murmured. «Why are you like this?»
«Just do things right, dont wind me up, and well be fine.»
She looked at him. No warmth, no lovejust irritation.
«Maybe we should talk,» she suggested. «See a couples counsellor?»
«Counsellor? Youre the one who needs a shrink. Youre unhinged,» Oliver snapped. «Always inventing problems.»
That was it. Shed had enough. He ate quickly and turned on the telly while she dug out an old notebook and began planning her escape.
***
Next morning, Emily left early. She stopped at a café, ordered coffee, and opened her notebook.
«Step one: Find part-time work. Need more income. Step two: Rent a flat or room. Step three: Pack essentials. Step four…»
«Em?» A familiar voice broke her focus.
She looked up to see Sophie, an old schoolmate.
«Soph! What a surprise!»
«Been ages,» Sophie smiled. «Working here?»
«No, just thinking,» Emily said vaguely.
«Everything alright? You look rough. Not ill, are you?»
Itd been forever since anyone showed concern. Emily hadnt complained to her parentsdidnt want to worry themand Oliver had slowly isolated her from friends. The dam broke.
«Its awful,» she sobbed. «Olivers breaking me downconstant criticism, humiliation. I cant take it anymore. I think he might hit me soon. Hes raised his hand during arguments…»
Sophie listened, silent, as Emily poured her heart out.
«I want to leave,» Emily admitted. «But Im terrified. Dont know where to start. How will I survive?»
«Em, run! Dont worryI wont abandon you. Ill help however I can.»
«Really?!»
«Of course! Stay with me for a bitremember my address? And dont hesitate to seek help. There are free counselling services for women in your situation.»
«I had no idea,» Emily admitted.
«Now you do. And rememberyoure stronger than you think.»
They met again after work. Two hours later, Emily felt reborn.
***
That evening, Oliver was waiting.
«Where were you?» he demanded, eyes glued to the telly.
«Out.»
«Out a lot lately. Seeing someone?»
Her blood ran cold.
«How could you say that?»
«Why not? Wouldnt surprise me. Youre sly like that.»
«Oliver, enough,» she said wearily. «I wont listen to this.»
«What do you want to hear? Sweet nothings? Tough luck.»
She took a steadying breath.
«We need to talk. About us.»
«What? Your affairs?»
«No. Our marriage. I want a divorce.»
Oliver stared.
«You what?»
«Im leaving. I cant live like thisconstant belittling, cruelty. Im miserable.»
«Youve lost it! Divorce? Whod want you? You should be thanking me for putting up with you!»
«I dont owe you gratitude. I deserve happiness.»
«Happy? Youll regret leaving. Youre nothing without menothing!»
Emily stayed silent. No more arguing. Her mind was made up.
«Im leaving tomorrow.»
«Wherell you go?» he yelled. «Youre broke!»
«Not your concern. Ill manage.»
«Ill make your life hell!» Oliver roared. Emily closed her suitcase, locked it, and walked to the door.
«Goodbye, Oliver.»
He didnt move, red-faced and seething, but she didnt look back.
The cold night air felt like freedom.
Sophie was waiting with the car running.
As they drove away, Emily exhaled for the first time in years.
She didnt know what came nextbut it would be hers.
