**»Clung Like a Leech»**
«Listen, why are you clinging to me? Im working, alright? Im doing this for the family! What kind of stupid question is that? Where else would I be, if not at work? Youre the one sitting around, contributing nothing, living off my back!»
Lara had married David three years ago. Hed pursued her relentlesslygrand gestures, promises, even climbing a tree in front of all their friends to declare hed do anything for her. Now, the memory made her sick.
She hadnt expected everything to change so quickly. Within a year and a half, David stopped seeing her as a womanjust a housemaid, a cook, a shoulder to cry on. The compliments stopped. The little gifts vanished. He didnt even wish her a happy birthday. When she asked what was wrong, hed just mutter, «Everythings fine.»
Then their son was born, and things got worse. While Lara was still in the hospital, David moved her things into the nursery. When she stared at him in disbelief, he shrugged.
«Whats the problem? Youre his motheryou should be near him. Im the only one bringing in money; I need proper rest. Simple as that. The babyll cry all night. You expect me to function with no sleep? This is how its going to be.»
Lately, Lara couldnt shake the feeling she wasnt the only woman in Davids life. Hed always worked late, but now there was an edge to itsnapping if she dared ask questions.
«Listen, why are you clinging to me? Im working, alright? Im doing this for the family! What kind of stupid question is that?»
Shed flush with shame. Maybe she was overreacting. He was just working hard, wasnt he? Overtime paid well.
But then she woke to the slam of the front doorDavid had left without a word. No «good morning,» no breakfast together. Hed banished her to the nursery after the baby came, and now their marriage felt like a house of cards collapsing.
Lara sank back into the pillows, then grabbed her phone. The call rang endlessly before his sharp voice cut in.
«What? Im busy!»
«Hi. I just wanted to wish you a good day. You left so early»
«Is that why youre calling?» he snapped. «Ive got a meeting. No time for this sentimental nonsense. God, Lara, youre like a leech. Youre suffocating me!»
The line went dead. Lara swallowed the lump in her throat and slipped out of bed. The baby would wake soonshe had to pull herself together. And figure out how to keep going.
In the bathroom mirror, red-rimmed eyes and tangled hair stared back. No blush on her cheeks, no spark left.
*Look at you. What kind of woman are you now? Just a tired, worn-out mothera leech.*
She splashed water on her face, then crept into the master bedroom for fresh sheets. Something was missing on the shelf. Her stomach dropped when she realizedthe box. The one shed bought for their anniversary. A surprise, something intimate. Gone.
«Did you move it?» she whispered. No answer.
Hours later, after feeding and settling the baby, she called David again. His words burned in her mind*youre like a leech.*
«David, its me again. Im sorry, but»
«What now?» he growled.
«We need to talk. Properly.»
«Talk fast.»
«Not like this. Tonight, after work?»
«Tonight Im watching telly, not listening to your complaints. Cant it wait?»
«But its important! You dont even look at me anymore. You dont care how I feel»
«Here we go,» he sighed. «Fine. Lets break it down. You look like any woman after a baby. A bit heavier, bags under your eyes. Youll bounce back. As for feelingsyoure a mother now, Lara! Be grateful. Some women cant even have kids. The baby comes first.»
«Thats not fair! Im still a person! I still want to feel loved»
«Alright, fine. Start with your appearance. Maybe change your hair? And that sack dress does nothing for you. You used to take care of yourself. Now? No makeup, nails a mess. You smell like baby wipes. Frankly, youve let yourself go.»
«*I have no time!* Im with the baby all day! When was the last time you even held him?»
«Not my job. I earn the money. You handle the house. And yourself! Look in the mirror, Lara. Even your cookings gone downhilldid you salt dinner properly this time? Last week it was inedible. Christ, youve ruined my mood. Dont call again.»
She didnt. That evening, she showered, dabbed on makeup, even styled her hair. Met him at the door with a smile.
«David, how was your»
«Whats this circus?» he sneered. «Dressed like a clown? That dress is hideous. Your legs look awful in it. Change. Now.»
She slapped him. Hard. Then fled to the bathroom, scrubbing her face raw. The dress went in the bin. David didnt reactjust turned on the telly, ignoring her.
Later, with the baby asleep, she confronted him.
«David, wheres the box from the wardrobe?»
«What box?»
«The one from the chemist. The the condoms. I wanted to surprise you for our anniversary. Id planned»
He lunged up, furious. «Are you accusing me of taking them for someone else? Youre insane!»
The fight erupted. Then, suddenly, David sneered.
«Fine. I took them. And Im leaving you. Shouldve done it sooner. Youre clueless, arent you? Theres someone else.»
«How long?» Her voice was eerily calm.
«Months. Before Tommy was even born. You were unbearable pregnantwhining, demanding cuddles I stayed for the kid. But her? She cant have children. Perfect, isnt it?»
Lara turned and walked out. No tears. Just relief.
David moved out. The divorce was quiet. He paid child support but rarely saw Tommy. Lara didnt mind. She remembered every word*leech, clown, let yourself go.*
Some men werent worth the fight.
