Do you still need me?
James, please let me go We tried to build a life together, but it fell apart. Why keep hurting each other? Lets just divorce.
Yes, right now! the husband sneered. Youre daydreaming. Im not letting you leave. Youre my wife, Im your husband, were a family. Are you unhappy? Have you fallen out of love? Is there someone else? Answer when I ask!
Emma perched on the edge of the sofa, fingers twitching at the corner of the throw. After another screaming match with James, she wanted to vanish, to erase herself from his world forever. Divorce was an option, but she lacked the resolve to file. Two years of marriage now felt like a nightmare, and the last six months had been especially brutalJames had turned into a ruthless household tyrant, constantly finding new reasons to criticize.
The day began with a harmless incident. Emma ordered a new facial cream online.
Spending money on frivolities again? James barked when she walked in with the parcel.
Emma tried to explain, but James wasnt listening.
Do you ever think about us? Or only about yourself, darling? That cream is a waste! Put the money toward something useful, like helping my parents.
James, why jump to that? I work, I have my own money, and I always help your familyyou know that.
What are you doing? Sending pennies to them! They need real support, you understand? Youre selfish, Emma. All you do is spend your earnings on face masks and towels!
His voice grew louder, his eyes flashed. Emma broke down in tears. James slammed the door, leaving her alone with her sobs and a crushing sense of helplessness. He always did thatpush her to the edge, then walk away.
Emma remembered how it had started. James had seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Gradually something changed, or perhaps she had never truly seen the man beneath the charm.
That evening James returned. Emma sat at the kitchen table sipping tea.
Youre crying again? he asked without looking up.
No you just hurt me.
I hurt you? Youre the one at fault. Think about what you do.
What am I doing wrong? Emma asked quietly.
Everything! You never try. I work hard, Im exhausted, and you? You spend half the day at the computer, the other half doing nothing!
I work too, and not less than you, Emma retorted, then immediately regretted it.
Whats your job? You earn peanuts! Im the one who provides for this family. You should be grateful, Emma. Ive never heard a thank you from you, even though Ive given you everything!
I appreciate you, James but that doesnt give you the right to speak to me like that.
How am I supposed to talk to you? Youre always dissatisfied, and your habit of crying drives me mad! Why do you paint me as a monster?
James the problem is youre never satisfied. Im scared to say a word, to buy anything, even to rest during the day. I cant lie down after lunch without you shouting at me! My nerves arent steel; Ive lost control of myself
Stop whining! You love playing the victim. Its nauseating!
Jamess contempt was so palpable it hurt Emma physically.
I dont understand whats happening, she whispered. Why are you like this?
Just behave, dont upset me and everything will be fine.
Emma looked at him. There was no warmth left, only irritation.
Maybe we should see a counsellor? she suggested.
A counsellor? You need one, youre the one whos crazy, always inventing problems out of thin air.
Those words sealed Emmas decision. James ate quickly and turned on the TV while she pulled out an old notebook and began drafting an escape plan. Everything had to be meticulously thought out.
The next morning Emma left the house earlier than usual. She slipped into a café to sit in peace and sort her thoughts. Over a cup of coffee she opened the notebook and wrote:
Step one: find a parttime job. Need more pounds than now. Step two: rent a modest flat or a room. Step three: pack belongings. Step four
Emma? a familiar voice called. She looked up to see her former classmate, Sarah.
Emma! What a surprise!
Its been ages, Sarah smiled. What are you doing? Working here?
No, just came to think.
You alright? You look off. Feeling unwell?
Emma hadnt heard supportive words in ages. She never complained to her own family; she didnt want to burden them, and James had been slowly pushing everyone away. Overwhelmed, Emma burst into tears.
Sarah, everythings terrible. James is relentless, constantly criticising and humiliating me. I cant take it any longer. Im scared hell become violent during our fights.
Sarah listened without interrupting.
I want to leave him, Sarah! I really want to, but Im terrified. I dont know where to start or how to survive afterward.
Emma, run! I wont let you face this alone. Come stay with me for a while. Do you remember my address? Also, there are free counselling services for women escaping abusive partners.
I didnt know about those, Emma admitted.
Now you do. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Youre strong; youll get through this.
After work they met again, and a twohour conversation left Emma feeling like a different person.
That evening, when she returned home, James was waiting, lounging in an armchair watching television.
Where have you been? he asked without turning.
Out, Emma replied.
Youve been out a lot lately. Got a lover?
A chill ran through her.
What are you saying? she snapped.
What? I wouldnt be surprised if you were seeing someone. Youre quite the flirt.
James, enough, Emma said, weary. I dont want to hear this anymore.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Youll have to manage without them.
Emma drew a deep breath, steadied herself.
James, we need to talk.
About what? My affairs?
No, about us. About our marriage.
And what now?
I want a divorce.
James stared, stunned.
You said what?
I said I want a divorce. I cant live like this any longer. You constantly humiliate and criticize me. Im miserable beside you.
Youve gone mad! Divorce? Who would you be without me? No one! You should be grateful I still let you live under my roof.
I owe nothing to anyone. I just want to be happy.
Happy? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. Youre worthless. Understand?
Emma stayed silent. She no longer wanted to argue. Her mind had made the decision.
Im leaving tomorrow, she said calmly.
Where will you go? Youre penniless! James shouted.
Thats none of your business. Ill manage.
I wont let you go! Ill find you and make you regret ever being born! Youre ungrateful! Ive given you everything, raised you, and you
Emma turned and walked toward the bedroom, intent on gathering her things.
James stayed in the living room for the night. Emma lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thoughts swirling. She feared the future, feared being alone, feared never finding happiness again. Most of all she feared staying with James.
At dawn she rose, washed, dressed, and went to the kitchen. James was already sipping coffee.
Youre not going anywhere, he warned. Dont even think about running while Im at work!
Ive already decided, Emma replied.
I wont let you!
Enough, James
You dont get it, do you?
James rose, approached her. Emma stepped back, trembling.
Dont come near me, she begged. James, stay away!
He shoved her against the wall. She hit her head, fell to the floor, and felt his fists descend. Emma closed her eyes, bracing for the worst.
A neighbor, hearing the earlymorning screams, called the police. Officers arrived, rescued Emma, and rushed her to the hospital. Once she was discharged, she filed for divorce; the marriage collapsed under its own weight.
Emmas ordeal taught her that love should never feel like a cage. When respect and safety vanish, the courage to step out, even into the unknown, becomes a vital act of selfpreservation. In freeing herself, she discovered that true happiness begins with the belief that she deserves it.
