Do you still need me?
Maxwell, please, let me go We tried to build a life together and it fell apart. Why keep hurting each other? Lets just divorce?
Yes, now! the husband sneered, his smile a thin crescent. Dream on. I wont release you. Youre my wife, Im your husband, were a family. Is life terrible for you? Or have you simply fallen out of love? Do you have someone else? Answer when I ask!
Olivia perched on the edge of the sofa, fingertips twisting the fringe of a knitted throw. After another explosive argument with Max, she felt the urge to evaporate, to slip forever out of his world. She could file for divorce but the resolve to take that step was missing. Two years of marriage now felt like a nightmarish reverie, the last six months especially heavyMax had, without warning, turned into a ruthless household tyrant, hunting new reasons to scold each day.
The morning began with a seemingly harmless incident. Olivia had ordered a new facial cream.
Spending money on nonsense again? Maxs voice echoed as she walked through the front door, a parcel in her hands.
She tried to explain, but Maxs ears were closed.
Do you ever think about us? Or only about yourself, my dear? That cream is frivolous! You should have spent it on something usefullike helping my parents.
Max, why jump straight to that? I work, I have my own earnings. I always help your parents, you know that.
Really? You send them pennies! Real help is needed, you understand? Youre selfish, Olivia. All you earn you pour into cosmetics and trinkets! His voice hardened, his eyes flashed like bolts. Olivias composure shattered; tears spilled. Max slammed the door, leaving her alone with a tide of helplessness. He always did thatpress, then disappear.
Olivia recalled how it had all begun. Max once seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Slowly, something shifted. Or perhaps she had never truly seen the man behind the mask.
That evening Max returned. Olivia sat at the kitchen table, a mug of tea steaming.
Are you crying again? he asked, not looking up.
No you just hurt me
I hurt you? Youre at fault. Think about what you do.
What am I doing wrong? Olivia whispered.
Everything! You never try. I work, Im tired, and you? You type away half the day, sit idle the other half!
I work too, no less than you, Olivia retorted, then immediately regretted it.
Whats your job? A few pennies? I provide for this family. You should be grateful, Olivia. Ive never heard a thank you, even though I deserve one!
Im grateful, Max but that doesnt give you licence to speak to me like that.
How am I supposed to talk to you? Youre always dissatisfied, forever shedding tears! Why make me the monster?
Maxwell youre constantly discontent. Im scared to speak, to buy, even to rest during the day. I cant lie down after lunch! If you found out, youd scream. My mind isnt steel; I cant control myself
Stop whining! You always play the victim. It makes me sick! His disgust was palpable, a physical ache to Olivia.
I dont understand whats happening, she murmured, why are you like this?
Do everything right, dont irritate me, and everything will be fine.
Olivia looked at him; there was no warmth left, only irritation.
Maybe we should talk? See a family counsellor? she suggested.
A counsellor? You need one, youre abnormal, Max cut in. You invent problems out of thin air.
Those words cemented Olivias decision. Max grabbed a quick bite, turned on the telly, while she fetched her old notebook and began sketching an escape plan, every detail weighed carefully.
The next day Olivia left the house earlier than usual. She drifted to a café in a quiet Manchester suburb, seeking silence to straighten her thoughts. After ordering a coffee, she opened the notebook and wrote:
Step one: find parttime work. Need more than now.
Step two: rent a modest flat or a room.
Step three: gather belongings.
Step four
Olivia? a familiar voice called. She lifted her eyes to see her former classmate, Sarah.
Sarah! What a coincidence!
Its been ages, Sarah smiled. What are you up to? Working here?
No, just came to sit, think, Olivia replied evasively.
You look off. Something wrong? Feeling unwell?
Olivia hadnt heard a caring word in years. She never complained to her parents, not wanting to upset them, while Max quietly pushed everyone away. The pressure cracked her; she burst into tears.
Sarah, everythings terrible. Max is grinding me down, constantly criticising, humiliating. I cant bear it any longer. Im terrified hell lose control during our fights.
Sarah listened, eyes soft, without interrupting.
I want to leave him, Sarah! I truly want to, Olivia said, voice trembling. But Im scared. I dont know where to start. How will I live after?
Olivia, run! I wont let you stay alone. Come stay with me for a while. Remember my address? And dont be shy about asking for help. There are free counselling services for women escaping abusive partners.
I didnt know about those, Olivia admitted.
Now you do. Most of all, believe in yourself. Youre strong; youll manage.
Later, after work, they met again. After a twohour chat, Olivia felt transformed, as if a veil had lifted.
That evening, returning home, Max was already waiting, settled in an armchair, eyes glued to the television.
Where have you been? he asked without turning.
Out, Olivia replied.
Youve been out a lot lately. Got a lover?
A cold shiver ran down Olivias spine.
What are you saying? she snapped.
What? I wouldnt be surprised if you were seeing someone. Youre quite the flirt.
Max, enough, she said wearily, I dont want to hear this.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Youll have to manage on your own.
Olivia breathed deeply, trying to stay calm.
Max, we need to talk.
About what? My infidelities?
No, about us. About our marriage.
And what do you have to say?
I want a divorce.
Maxs eyes widened.
What did you just say?
I said I want a divorce. I cant keep living like this. 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 keep you around.
I owe no one anything. I want to be happy.
Happy? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. No one needs you. Understand?
Olivia 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.
No, I wont let you live! Ill find you, make you regret ever being born! Youre shameless! I gave you everything, brought you up, and you
Olivia gave no reply. She turned and walked toward the bedroom, determined to gather her things.
Max spent the night on the couch. Olivia lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thoughts spiralling. She feared the future, feared solitude, feared never finding happiness again. Most of all, she feared staying with Max.
At dawn she rose, washed, dressed, and went to the kitchen. Max was already there, sipping coffee.
You wont go anywhere, he said. 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 from the table and approached. Fear seized Olivia.
Dont come near me, she pleaded. Max, step back!
Max shoved her against the wall. Her head struck, and she fell to the floor. The man she had once loved raised his fist. Olivia closed her eyes, bracing for the worst.
Police sirens wailed in the early morning; neighbours, alarmed by her screams, had called the authorities. Officers ushered her to the hospital. Once discharged, she filed for divorce immediatelyher marriage shattered beyond repair.
