Why do you even matter to me?
Max, please, let me go We tried to build a life together, but it fell apart. Why keep hurting each other? Lets just divorce.
Now, youll have to wait! Max sneered, eyes flashing. Youre dreaming. Im not letting you walk away. Youre my wife, Im your husband, were a family. Are you happy? Have you fallen out of love? Do you have someone else? Answer when I ask!
—
Ethel sat on the edge of the sofa, fingering the hem of a blanket. After yet another shouting match with her husband, she wanted nothing more than to vanish, to disappear from his world forever. A divorce was possible, but she lacked the resolve to file the papers. Two years of marriage now felt like a nightmare, the last six months especially brutalMax had morphed into a ruthless home tyrant, finding fresh reasons to pick on her every day.
The mornings spark was petty. Ethel had ordered a new facial cream.
Again spending money on nonsense? Maxs voice cut through the hallway as she returned with the parcel.
She tried to explain, but Max didnt listen.
Do you ever think about us? Or only about yourself, darling? That cream could have been put to better uselike helping my parents.
Max, why do you jump straight to that? I work, I earn my own money. I always help your parents, you know that.
What are you doing? Sending them pennies! They need real help, you understand? Youre selfish, Ethel. All you do is pour every bit you earn into skin lotions and rags!
His voice rose, his eyes flashed like lightning. Ethel could hold back no longer and burst into tears. Max slammed the door, leaving her alone with her sobs and a crushing sense of helplessness. He always did thispressurise, then vanish.
Ethel remembered how it had begun. Max once seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Something shifted slowly, or perhaps she had never truly seen the man beneath the charm.
That evening Max returned. Ethel was in the kitchen, sipping tea.
You crying again? he asked without looking up.
No you just hurt me
I hurt you? Youre the one at fault. Think before you act.
What am I doing wrong? Ethel whispered.
Everything! You dont try at all. I work hard, Im exhausted, and you? You spend half the day clicking away at a keyboard, the other half just loitering at home!
I work too, and not less than you, Ethel retorted, then instantly regretted it.
Whats your job? Pennies! Im the one feeding this family. You should be grateful, Ethel. Ive never heard a thank you from you, even after all Ive done!
Im grateful, Max but that doesnt give you the right to speak to me like that.
How am I supposed to speak? Youre always dissatisfied, youre always crying! You make me look like a monster!
Max youre constantly unhappy. Im terrified to say a word, to buy anything, even to rest during the day. I cant lie down after lunch! If you find out, youll start shouting straight away! My nerves arent steel; Im losing control
Enough! You always play the victim. Its disgusting! Maxs contempt turned physical, making Ethels chest ache.
I dont understand whats happening, she whispered, why are you like this?
Just behave, dont aggravate me and everything will be fine.
Ethel looked at him. No warmth, no love remained in his eyesonly irritation.
Maybe we should talk to someone? she suggested. A family therapist?
Therapist? You need one, not me. Youre the one inventing problems out of thin air.
Those words cemented her decision. Max grabbed a quick bite, turned on the telly, and Ethel dug out her old notebook, sketching a escape plan. Every detail had to be ironed out.
—
The next morning Ethel slipped out of the house earlier than usual. She headed to a café, hoping the quiet would let her sort her thoughts. Over a steaming cup of coffee she opened her notebook and wrote:
Step one: find parttime workneed more money than now.
Step two: rent a modest flat or a room.
Step three: pack belongings.
Step four
A familiar voice called her name.
Ethel?
She looked up to see her former schoolmate, Sarah, standing by the counter.
Sarah! What a coincidence!
Its been ages, Sarah smiled. What brings you here? Working around here?
No, just needed a place to think, Ethel replied evasively.
You alright? You look off. Are you ill?
Ethel hadnt heard words of comfort in years. She never told her parents; she didnt want to worry them, and her friends had gradually drifted away. The pressure finally broke her.
Sarah, everythings awful. Max is driving me madconstant criticism, humiliation. I cant take it any longer. Im scared hell hurt me for real sometime.
Sarah listened without interruption.
I want to leave him, Sarah! I really do, but Im terrified. I dont know where to start. How will I survive?
Run, Ethel! I wont let you go alone. Stay with me for a while. Do you remember my address? And there are free counselling services for women trapped by abusive partners.
I didnt even know those existed, Ethel admitted.
Now you do. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Youre strong; youll make it through.
Later that day they met again. After a twohour hearttoheart, Ethel felt reborn.
—
That evening Max was waiting, perched in his armchair, eyes glued to the television.
Whereve you been? he asked without turning.
Out, Ethel said.
Youre out a lot these days. Got a lover?
A chill ran through her.
What are you talking about? she snapped.
What? I wouldnt be surprised if you were seeing someone. Youre getting cheeky.
Max, enough, Ethel said wearily, I wont listen to this any longer.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Youll have to manage without them.
Ethel drew a deep breath, fighting to stay calm.
Max, we need to talk.
About what? My infidelities?
No. About us. About our marriage.
And what now?
I want a divorce.
Maxs eyes widened.
What did you just say?
I said I want a divorce. I cant live like this any more. You constantly demean me, criticize me. Im miserable beside you.
Youve lost your mind! Divorce? Who will you be without me? No one! You should be grateful I even let you stay under my roof.
I owe no one anything. I just want to be happy.
Happy? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. Youre useless. Do you understand?
Ethel fell silent. She no longer wanted to argue; she had already decided.
Im leaving tomorrow, she said calmly.
Where will you go? Youre penniless! Max shouted.
Thats none of your business. Ill manage.
I wont let you live! Max roared. Ill find you, make you regret ever being born! I gave you everything, I brought you into society, and you
Ethel turned and walked into the bedroom, determined to gather her things.
Max spent the night on the couch. In the dark Ethel lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thoughts spiralling. Fear of the future, of loneliness, of never finding happiness gnawed at her. Most of all, she feared staying with Max.
At dawn she rose, washed, dressed, and slipped into the kitchen. Max was already at the table, coffee steaming.
You wont go anywhere, he snarled. Dont even think about running while Im at work!
Ive already decided, Ethel replied.
I wont let you!
Enough, Max
You dont get it!
Max lunged from his seat, closing the distance.
Dont come near me, Ethel pleaded, Max, step back!
He shoved her into the wall. Her head struck the plaster, and she fell hard onto the floor. The man who had once been her lover raised his fist. Ethel shut her eyes, bracing for the worst.
A shrill cry pierced the morning as neighbours, hearing the commotion, called the police. Officers arrived, hauling Max away. Ethel was rushed to the hospital, treated for her injuries, and, once discharged, filed for divorce. The marriage that had once promised forever shattered into ruin.
