Who do you need?
James, please let me go We tried to build a life together, but it fell apart. Why keep hurting each other? Lets just divorce?
Now? the husband sneered. Dream on. Im not letting you leave. Youre my wife, Im your husband, we have a family. Are you unhappy? Have you fallen out of love? Is there someone else? Answer when I ask!
Emily perched on the edge of the sofa, fingers nervously pulling at the corner of a blanket. After another shouting match with James, she felt as if she could vanish, disappear from his world forever. She could file for divorce, but she lacked the resolve. Two years of marriage now seemed a nightmarish blur, especially the last six months, when James had turned into a ruthless household king, inventing new reasons to criticize her daily.
That morning the trouble began with something harmless. Emily ordered a new facial cream.
Again spending money on nonsense? James barked when she came home with the parcel.
She tried to explain, but he wouldnt listen.
Do you even think about us? Or just about yourself, dear? The cream couldve been used for something usefullike helping my parents.
James, why jump to that? I work, I have my own money. I always help your parents, you know that.
What are you doing? Sending them pennies! They need real help, understand? Youre selfish, Emily. Everything you earn you throw at face creams and rags!
His voice rose, his eyes flashed. Emily burst into tears. James slammed the door, leaving her alone with her sobs and a crushing sense of helplessness. He always did thispush her to the edge and then walk away.
Emily remembered how it had started. James once seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Slowly, though, something changed. Or perhaps she had never truly seen the man he was.
That evening James returned. Emily sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea.
Crying again? he asked without looking up.
No you just hurt me
I hurt you? Youre to blame. Think about what youre doing.
What am I doing wrong? Emily whispered.
Everything! You never try. I work hard, get exhausted, and you? You tap away at a keyboard half the day, lounge at home the rest!
I work too, not less than you, Emily protested, then instantly regretted it.
Whats your job? Pinching pennies while I provide for the family. You should be grateful, Emily. Ive never heard a thankyou in all these years!
Im grateful, James but that doesnt give you the right to speak to me like that.
How am I supposed to speak to you? Youre always dissatisfied, always crying! Why paint me as a monster?
James youre constantly unhappy. Im scared to speak, scared to buy anything, scared even to rest after lunch. If you find out, youll start shouting! My mind isnt steel; I cant control myself any longer.
Stop whining! You love to play the victim. It makes me sick!
His disgust was so sharp Emily felt physical pain.
I dont understand whats happening, she whispered. Why are you like this?
Do everything right, dont annoy me, and all will be fine.
Emily looked at him. There was no warmth left in his eyes, only irritation.
Maybe we should talk to a counsellor? she suggested.
A counsellor? You need one, not me. Youre the crazy one, always making problems out of nothing.
Those words sealed Emilys decision. James hurried a bite to eat and turned on the TV while she fetched an old notebook and began sketching an escape plan, each step carefully thought out.
The next morning Emily left the house earlier than usual. She walked to a café, hoping the quiet would clear her thoughts. With a coffee in hand she opened her notebook and wrote:
Step one: find parttime work. Need more income than now.
Step two: rent a small flat or a room.
Step three: pack my belongings.
Step four
Emily? a familiar voice called. She looked up to see her former schoolmate Claire.
Claire! What a surprise!
Its been ages, Claire smiled. What are you up to? Working here?
No, just stopped by to think.
You alright? You look off. Feeling ill?
Emily hadnt heard words of comfort in years. She never complained to her parents, not wanting to upset them, and James had quietly pushed everyone away. Overwhelmed, she broke down.
Claire, everythings terrible. James is crushing me, constantly mocking and humiliating me. I cant take it any longer. Im scared he might become violent during our fights.
Claire listened without interrupting.
I want to leave him, Claire. I want to, but Im terrified. Where do I start? How will I survive?
Emily, run! I wont leave you. Ill help however I can.
Really?
Of course. First, you wont be alone. Come stay with me for a while. You know my address, right? Second, dont be ashamed to ask for help. There are free counselling services for women escaping abusive partners.
I didnt know about those, Emily admitted.
Now you do. And rememberbelieve in yourself. Youre strong, youll get through this.
After work they met again, and a twohour conversation left Emily feeling a little lighter, as if a weight had shifted.
That evening, when she returned home, James was waiting, planted in his armchair, eyes glued to the telly.
Where have you been? he asked without turning.
Out, Emily replied.
Youre out a lot these days. Got a lover?
Coldness flooded her chest.
What are you saying? she snapped.
Nothing. I wouldnt be surprised if you were cheating. Youre quite the fast one.
James, enough, Emily said, weary. I dont want to hear this anymore.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Youll manage.
Emily drew a deep breath, steadied herself.
James, we need to talk.
About what? My infidelities?
No, about us. About our marriage.
What do you have to say?
I want a divorce.
James stared, stunned.
What did you just say?
I said I want a divorce. I cant live like this any longer. You constantly demean me, criticize me. Im miserable beside you.
Youve gone mad! Divorce? Who will you be without me? No one! You should be grateful I still let you live under my roof.
I owe nobody anything. I want to be happy.
Happy? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. No one needs you. Understand?
Emily fell silent, no longer wanting to argue. She had already decided.
Im leaving tomorrow, she said calmly.
Where will you go? Youre broke! James shouted.
Its none of your business. Ill manage.
No, I wont let you go! Ill find you and make you regret ever being born! Youre a shameless witch! I gave you everything, I raised you in society, and you
Emily turned without a word and walked to the bedroom to gather her things.
James spent the night on the sofa. Emily lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thoughts racing. Fear of the future, fear of solitude, fear of never finding happinessyet the greatest fear was staying with James.
At dawn Emily rose early, washed up, dressed, and went to the kitchen. James was already at the table, coffee in hand.
Youre not going anywhere, he said. Dont even think about running while Im at work!
Ive already decided, Emily replied.
I wont allow it!
Enough, James
You dont understand what Im saying!
James rose, approached her. Emily stepped back, pleading, Dont come near me, James, please!
He shoved her against the wall. She hit her head, falling to the floor as his fist came down. Emily shut her eyes, bracing for the worst.
A neighbor, hearing the earlymorning screams, called the police. Officers arrived, rescued Emily, and rushed her to the hospital. Once discharged, she filed for divorce, ending a marriage that had turned to ruin.
Emilys story shows that even when love turns cruel, the courage to leave and seek help can break the cycle of abuse. True freedom begins with believing you deserve a life free of fear, and that strength often lies in asking for support.
