«Who Even Wants You?»
«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.»
«As if!» Her husband smirked. «Dream on. Im not letting you go. Youre my wife, Im your husband, and this is our family. What, is life so terrible? Or have you stopped loving me? Maybe theres someone else? Answer me when Im talking to you!»
***
Grace sat on the edge of the sofa, nervously twisting the fringe of the blanket. After yet another row with her husband, she wished she could vanish into thin air, disappear from his life forever. Divorce was an option, of course But Grace couldnt muster the courage to file. Two years of marriage now felt like a fever dream, especially the last six monthsMax had morphed into some petty domestic tyrant, finding new faults in her every day.
That morning, it started over something trivial. Grace had ordered a new face cream.
«Wasting money on rubbish again?» Maxs voice cut through the air as she walked in with the package.
Grace tried to explain, but Max wasnt listening.
«Do you ever think of anyone but yourself? Face cream? Shouldve spent it on something useful, like helping my parents.»
«Max, why jump to that? I work, its my money. And I do help your parentsyou know that.»
«Pocket change! They need real help. Youre selfish, Grace. Always thinking of yourself. Blowing your wages on lotions and rags!» His voice rose, eyes flashing. Grace couldnt hold back tears. Max, as usual, slammed the door, leaving her alone with her helplessness. He always did thispushed her to breaking point, then walked away.
…Grace remembered how it began. Max had seemed perfectattentive, caring, loving. But something had shifted. Or maybe shed never seen the real Max before.
That evening, Max returned. Grace sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea.
«Crying again?» he asked, not looking at her.
«No… You just hurt me.»
«I hurt you? Your own fault. Think before you act.»
«What do I even do wrong?» Grace whispered.
«Everything! You dont even try. I work, Im exhaustedand you? Typing away half the day, lounging the other half!»
«I work too, just as hard as you,» Grace protested, instantly regretting it.
«Your job? Pennies! Im the one keeping us afloat. You should be grateful, Grace. Not once in this marriage have you thanked meand I deserve it!»
«I am grateful, Max… But that doesnt mean you can speak to me like this.»
«How else should I speak? Youre never satisfied. And your cryingit drives me mad! Always playing the victim.»
«Max… The truth is, youre never happy. Im scared to speak, scared to buy anything, scared to even rest. I cant nap without you screaming at me! I cant take it anymore…»
«Oh, spare me the drama. Sick of your theatrics.» The disgust in his voice made Graces skin crawl.
«I dont understand,» she whispered. «Why are you like this?»
«Do things right, dont piss me off, and well be fine.»
Grace looked at him. No warmth, no lovejust irritation.
«Maybe we should talk,» she ventured. «See a couples counselor?»
«Counselor? Youre the one who needs help. Youre unhinged,» Max snapped. «Always inventing problems.»
That sealed it. Grace decided to leave. Max ate quickly and slumped in front of the telly while she dug out an old notebook and began plotting her escape. Every detail had to be perfect.
***
The next day, Grace left early. She stopped at a café, ordered coffee, and opened her notebook.
«Step one: Find part-time work. Need more money. Step two: Rent a flat or room. Step three: Pack essentials. Step four…»
«Grace?» A familiar voice.
She looked upSophie, an old schoolmate.
«Sophie! What a surprise!»
«Been ages,» Sophie smiled. «Working here?»
«No, just thinking,» Grace hedged.
«You okay? You look rough.»
It had been years since Grace heard kindness. She hadnt complained to her parentsdidnt want to worry themand Max had slowly isolated her from friends. The dam broke.
«Sophie, its awful. Maxhe belittles me, picks at everything. I cant take it. Im scared hell hit me next. Hes raised his hand before…»
Grace poured it out while Sophie listened, silent.
«I want to leave,» Grace finished. «But Im terrified. How do I even start?»
«Grace, run. Ill help. Stay with me awhile. And there are free counsellors for women like you.»
«I had no idea.»
«Now you do. And trust yourselfyoure stronger than you think.»
They met again after work. Two hours later, Grace felt reborn.
***
That night, Max was waiting. He didnt turn from the telly.
«Where were you?»
«Out.»
«Out a lot lately. Seeing someone?»
Her blood turned to ice.
«How could you say that?»
«Wouldnt surprise me. Youre slippery.»
«Max, enough,» Grace said wearily.
«What, want compliments? Tough.»
Grace steadied herself.
«Max, we need to talk.»
«About your affairs?»
«About us. Our marriage.»
His head snapped up.
«What?»
«I want a divorce. I cant live like this. You demean me constantly. Im miserable.»
«Youre insane! Divorce? Youre nothing without me. You should be thanking me!»
«I owe you nothing. I want to be happy.»
«Happy? You think youll be happy alone? Youre delusional. No one wants you. Understand?»
Grace stayed silent. She was done arguing.
«Im leaving tomorrow,» she said calmly.
«Wherell you go?» Max roared. «Youve got nothing!»
«Thats my business.»
«I wont let you live!» he bellowed. «Ill find you! Make you regret being born! Ungrateful wretch!»
Grace didnt answer. She walked to the bedroom to pack.
Max slept on the sofa. Grace lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Fear gnawed at herfear of being alone, of never finding happiness. But staying with Max? That terrified her more.
At dawn, Grace dressed quietly. Max was already at the kitchen table, coffee in hand.
«Youre not going anywhere,» he hissed.
«Ive made my choice.»
«Over my dead body!»
He lunged. Grace backed against the wall, but Max shoved her hard. Her head cracked against plaster as she fell. He raised his fist. Grace shut her eyes, bracing for the blow…
