**Diary Entry 10th October**
Bloody leech.
“Listen, why are you nagging me? Im working, alright? Im doing this for the family, in case you forgot. What kind of stupid question is that? Where else would I be besides work? Youre the one sitting on your backside, living off me while contributing nothing!”
Lara married Edward three years ago. Hed pursued her relentlesslyclimbed an oak tree once, declared in front of all their mates that hed do anything for her. The memory made her sick now.
She never imagined that barely eighteen months after the wedding, everything would change. Edward stopped seeing her as a woman. A housemaid, cook, laundrywoman, confidanteyes. But a wife? No. He stopped noticing her, stopped buying little trinkets. Didnt even wish her happy birthday. When she asked what was wrong, hed just shrug. “Everythings fine.”
After their son was born, it got worse. While she was still in hospital, he moved her things into the nursery. When she stared at him, bewildered, he just shrugged.
“Whats the problem? Youre the motheryou should be with the baby. Im the only one bringing in money. I need proper rest. Simple as that. The boys tinyno routine, crying all night. You expect me to drag myself up at dawn with a pounding head? Well manage.”
Lately, Lara couldnt shake the feeling she wasnt the only woman in his life. Edward had always worked late, but now the excuses came with a bite. If she dared ask where hed been, hed snap.
“Bloody hell, why the interrogation? Im working! What, you think Im off at the pub? Youre the one lounging about, living off my wage!”
Shed flinch, guilt twisting inside. Maybe she *was* overreacting. He was putting in overtimeprobably for the extra pay. The thought of another woman never crossed her mind until now.
—
She woke to the slam of the front door. Edward had left without a word. Again. Months since theyd shared breakfastor even a bed. The moment little James arrived, shed been banished to the nursery. Their marriage, once solid, now crumbled like a house of cards.
Sighing, she grabbed her phone. The line rang forever before his irritated voice cut in.
“What do you want? Im busy!”
“Just wanted to say good morning,” she said softly. “You left so early”
He scoffed. “You called me for *that*? Ive got a bloody meeting! No time for this clingy nonsense. Christ, Lara, youre like a leech!”
The dial tone stung. She swallowed the hurt, wiped her eyes, and forced herself up. James would wake soonno time for self-pity.
In the bathroom mirror, red-rimmed eyes stared back. Tangled hair, hollow cheeks.
*Look at you. Not a womanjust a haggard mother. A bloody leech.*
After washing up, she slipped into the bedroom for fresh sheets. Something was missing. Her stomach dropped.
The boxthe one shed bought for their anniversary. A little surprise, tucked away for the 13th. A romantic dinner, maybe a spark rekindled. Shed even got the largest packjust in case.
“Moved it, did you?” she muttered. “Why bother?”
Two hours later, with James fed and napping, she called again. That word*leech*clung like a burr.
“Ed, its me. I know youre on lunch, but”
“What now?” he snapped.
“We need to talk. Properly.”
“Make it quick.”
“Not over the phone. Tonight?”
“Tonight Im watching telly, not listening to your whinging. Ring me later if its so bloody urgent.”
“But it *is* urgent! You dont look at me anymore. You dont care how I feel”
“Here we go!” He sighed. “Look, youve let yourself go. Puffy eyes, extra weightits normal after a kid. Youll bounce back. As for feelings youre a *mother* now, Lara. Be grateful. Some women cant even have kids. James is what matters.”
“Thats not fair! Im still a person! I need to feel loved”
“Fine. Start with your hair. That sack of a dress does you no favours. And you *reek* sometimes. Used to always have your nails done, proper makeup. Now? Youre a bloody grey mouse.”
“A *mouse*? Im with James all day! When have *you* ever watched him?”
“Not my job. I bring in the money. Yours is the houseand *yourself*. Look in the mirror! Even your cookings gone downhill. Hope todays lunch isnt salty like last time. Bloody hell, ruined my mood now. Dont call again.”
She didnt. That evening, she showered, dabbed on mascara, even tried a updo. Met him at the door with a smile.
He scowled. “Whats this circus? Dressed like a clown in that hideous thing! Your legs look like bent twigs. Change. Now.”
Something snapped. Her palm cracked against his cheek before she fled to the bathroom, scrubbing her face raw. The dress went in the bin. Edward didnt flinchjust turned on the telly, skipped dinner.
Later, with James asleep, she confronted him.
“Ed. Wheres the box from the wardrobe?”
He didnt look up. “What box?”
“The one from Boots. You know. Condoms.”
He exploded. “You accusing me of giving them to some tart? You *mental*?”
The row was vicious. Then, suddenly, he spat it out.
“Fine. I took them. And Im leaving. Shouldve done it ages ago. Youre clueless, arent you? Theres someone else.”
“How long?” Her voice was eerily calm.
“Before James. You were insufferable pregnantwhinging for cuddles, belly rubs Christ, you *drained* me. Im only here for my son.”
“Whats she got that I havent?”
His grin was cruel. “One thing, Lara. She *cant* have kids.”
She walked out. No tears. Just freedom.
—
Edward did one decent thingleft her the house. Both sets of parents rallied around. The divorce was quiet; he pays child support without fuss. Barely sees James. Maybe for the best.
Lara doesnt miss him. Not after *leech*. Not after *clown*.
Funny, isnt it? How the ones who swear theyd climb trees for you are the first to cut you down.
**Lesson learned:** Love shouldnt leave you begging for scraps. And if it does? Walk away before you forget your own worth.
