Do you even need me? Max pleaded, his voice shaking. Please, let me go We tried to build a life together, but it fell apart. Why keep torturing each other? Lets just divorce.
Now, youre dreaming, he snarled, a cruel grin twisting his features. I wont release you. Youre my wife, Im your husband, and we have a family. Are you unhappy? Have you fallen out of love with me? Or is there someone else? Answer me when I ask!
Olivia perched on the edge of the sofa, fingers nervously twisting the corner of the blanket. After another bitter argument with Max, she felt an urge to vanish, to disappear from his world forever. She could have said goodbye, but the courage to file for divorce eluded her. Two years of marriage now seemed a nightmarish blur, and the last six months were a particular tormentMax had morphed into a ruthless household king, inventing fresh reasons to criticize her each day.
The day began innocently enough. Olivia had ordered a new facial cream.
Spending money on frivolities again? Maxs voice rang out as she walked through the front door with the parcel.
She tried to explain, but Max would not listen.
Do you ever think about us, or only about yourself, my dear? That cream could have been used for something worthwhileperhaps helping my parents.
Max, why jump to that? I work, I have my own earnings, and I always help your parentsyou know that.
What are you doing? Sending them pennies! They need real support, you understand? Youre selfish, Olivia. You pour almost everything you earn into fancy lotions and rags!
His voice grew harsher, his eyes flashing like lightning. Overwhelmed, Olivia broke into tears. Max slammed the door, leaving her alone with her sobs and a crushing sense of helplessness. He always did thatpressuring her to the brink before retreating.
Olivia remembered the early days well. Max had seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Over time something shifted. Perhaps she had never truly seen him before.
That evening Max returned. Olivia sat at the kitchen table, a mug of tea steaming in her hands.
Are you crying again? he asked without meeting her gaze.
No You just hurt me
I hurt you? Youre at fault. Think about what youre doing.
What am I doing wrong? she whispered.
Everything! You never try. I work hard, Im exhausted, and you? You spend half the day tapping away at the keyboard, the other half just lounging!
I work too, no less than you, Olivia replied, instantly regretting the tone.
Whats your job? A few pennies? Im the one keeping the family afloat. You should be grateful, Olivia. Ive never heard a single thank you from you, even though Ive earned it!
Im grateful, Max But that doesnt give you the right to speak to me like that.
How am I supposed to speak to you? Youre always dissatisfied, your constant tears annoy me! Why do you paint me as a monster?
Max Its that youre never satisfied. Im afraid to say a word, to buy anything, even to rest in the afternoon. I cant lie down after lunch! If you found out, youd start shouting straight away! My nerves arent steel; I cant control myself any longer
Stop whining! You always play the victim. It makes me sick!
His contempt was so sharp that Olivia felt a physical ache.
I dont understand whats happening, she murmured, why are you like this?
Just do everything right, dont anger me, and all will be fine.
Olivia looked into his eyes. The warmth and love were gone, replaced only by irritation.
Perhaps we should talk? she suggested, see a marriage counsellor?
A counsellor? You need one, not me. Youre the one who makes problems out of nothing.
Those words sealed Olivias resolve. Max ate quickly, turned on the television, and she pulled out an old notebook, beginning to sketch her escape. Every detail had to be planned.
The next morning Olivia left the house earlier than usual. She decided to stop at a café, sit in quiet, and gather her thoughts. Over a steaming cup of coffee she opened her notebook and wrote:
Step one: find parttime work. Need more money than I have now.
Step two: rent a modest flat or a room.
Step three: gather my belongings.
Step four
Olivia? a familiar voice called. She lifted her eyes to see her former schoolmate, Sophie, waving from the doorway.
Sophie! What a surprise!
Its been ages, Sophie smiled. What brings you here? Working nearby?
No, just needed a place to think.
Something wrong? You look pale. Are you ill?
Olivia had not heard such gentle concern in years. She had never confided in her parents, not wanting to burden them, and Max had gradually pushed everyone away. Overcome, she broke down:
Sophie, everything is terrible. Max is relentless, constantly criticising and humiliating me. I cant bear it any longer. Im scared hell become violent during our fights.
Sophie listened without interrupting.
I want to leave him, Olivia continued, but Im terrified. I dont know where to start. How will I survive?
Run, Olivia! I wont let you down. Come stay with me for a while. Do you remember my address? And there are free counselling services for women escaping abusive husbands.
I didnt know about those, Olivia admitted.
Now you do. Most importantly, believe in yourself. Youre strong; youll manage.
After work they met again, and the twohour conversation left Olivia feeling transformed, as if a weight had been lifted.
That night, when she returned home, Max was waiting in his armchair, eyes glued to the television.
Where have you been? he asked without turning.
Out, Olivia replied.
Youre out a lot now. Got a lover? he sneered.
Coldness flooded her chest.
What are you saying? she retorted, her voice shaking.
Nothings surprising if youve been unfaithful. Youre getting bold.
Enough, Max, Olivia said wearily, I wont listen to this any longer.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Youll manage.
Olivia took a deep breath, striving to stay calm.
Max, we need to talk.
About what? My infidelities?
No, about us. About our marriage.
And what are you going to say?
I want a divorce.
Maxs eyes widened.
What did you just say?
I said I want a divorce. I cant live like this any longer. You constantly demean and criticize me. Im miserable beside you.
Youve gone mad! Divorce? Who would you be without me? No one! You should be grateful I still keep you under my roof.
I owe nobody anything. I just want to be happy.
Happy? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. Nobody needs you. Do you understand?
Olivia fell silent. She no longer wished to argue; she had made her decision.
Ill leave tomorrow, she said calmly.
Where will you go? Youre penniless! Max shouted.
Thats none of your business. Ill figure it out.
I wont let you live! Ill find you and make you regret ever being born! Youre a shameless wretch! I gave you everything, I brought you into society, and you
Olivia gave no reply. She turned and walked toward the bedroom, intent on gathering her things.
Max spent the night on the sofa. Olivia lay awake, staring at the ceiling, a whirlwind of fears swirling in her mindfear of the future, of solitude, of never finding happiness again, and above all, fear of staying with Max.
At dawn she rose, washed, dressed, and went to the kitchen. Max already sat at the table, coffee in hand.
You wont go anywhere, he declared. Dont even think of running while Im at work!
Ive already decided, Olivia answered.
I wont allow it!
Enough, Max
You dont understand what Im saying!
Max rose, looming over her. Olivias heart pounded.
Dont come near me, she begged. Max, step back!
He shoved her against the wall. Her head struck the plaster and she fell to the floor. The man who had once been her lover lifted his fist. Olivia closed her eyes, bracing for the worst.
A sudden clatter of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Neighbours, awakened by her shrieks, had called the police. Officers burst in, pulling Max away and ushering Olivia to safety. She was taken to the hospital, where doctors treated her injuries. As soon as she was discharged, she filed for divorce, ending a marriage that had collapsed into ruin.
Now, years later, I look back on those bruised days and remember how the darkness was broken by a strangers kindness and my own stubborn resolve. The old notebook, the coffee shop notes, Sophie’s unwavering supportall reminders that even the most oppressive of ties can be untied when one finds the courage to walk away.
