Do you even need me anymore?
Mark, please, let me go We tried to build a life together, but it fell apart. Why keep hurting each other? Lets just get divorced.
Yes, right now! the husband sneered. Youre dreaming. Im not letting you walk away. Youre my wife, Im your husband, were a family. Are you happy? Or have you fallen out of love? Or is there someone else? Answer when I ask you!
Olivia perched on the edge of the sofa, fingers twisting the hem of the throw. After another explosive argument she wanted nothing more than to vanish, to disappear from Marks world forever. She could, of course, ask for a split, but the resolve to file for divorce still eluded her. Two years of marriage now felt like a nightmare, the last six months especially oppressiveMark had morphed into a ruthless household tyrant, inventing fresh reasons to berate her every day.
The mornings spark came from a harmlesslooking episode. Olivia had ordered a new facial cream.
Spending money on frivolities again? Mark barked as she slipped the parcel inside.
She tried to explain, but his ears were shut.
Do you ever think about us? Or only about yourself, dear? That cream could have been put to better usemaybe helping my parents.
Mark, why jump straight to that? I work, I earn my own money, and I always help your parents; you know that.
What are you doing? Sending them pennies! They need real help, understand? Youre selfish, Olivia. You spend almost everything you earn on beauty products and ragtag clothes!
His voice hardened, his eyes flashed. Olivias composure shattered; tears streamed down her face. Mark slammed the door, leaving her alone with her sobs and a crushing sense of helplessness. He always did the samepress the button, then disappear.
Olivia remembered the early days clearly. Mark had seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Something had shifted, or perhaps she had never seen the real Mark before.
That evening Mark returned. Olivia was in the kitchen, nursing a mug of tea.
Crying again? he asked without looking up.
No you just hurt me.
I hurt you? Its your own fault. You need to think about what you do.
What am I doing wrong? she whispered.
Everything! Im exhausted from work, and you? You spend half the day tapping away at a keyboard, the other half just sitting around!
I work too, not less than you, Olivia retorted, then immediately regretted it.
Whats your job worth? Pocket change! Im the one supporting this family. You should be grateful, Olivia. I never hear a thankyou from you, even though I deserve one!
I appreciate you, Mark but that doesnt give you the right to speak to me like that.
How am I supposed to talk to you then? Youre always dissatisfied, and your constant tears drive me mad! Why do you paint me as a monster?
Mark youre never content. Im terrified 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; I cant control myself any longer.
Stop whining! You always play the victim. It makes me sick!
His contempt grew so sharp Olivia felt physical pain.
I dont understand whats happening, she whispered. Why are you like this?
Just behave, dont annoy me, and everything will be fine.
Olivia looked at him. No warmth, no love remainedonly irritation.
Maybe we should see a counsellor? she suggested.
A counsellor? You need one, not me. Youre the one making up problems out of thin air.
Those words cemented Olivias decision to leave. Mark grabbed a quick bite, turned on the telly, while she pulled out an old notebook and began drafting an escape plan. Everything had to be meticulously plotted.
The next morning Olivia left the house earlier than usual. She ducked into a café to sit in quiet and straighten her thoughts. While sipping coffee she opened her notebook and wrote:
Step one: find parttime work. Need more money than I have now.
Step two: rent a small flat or a room.
Step three: gather my belongings.
Step four
Olivia? a familiar voice called. She looked up to see her former schoolmate, Sophie.
Sophie! What a coincidence!
Its been ages, Sophie smiled. What are you up to? Working here?
No, just needed a place to think, Olivia replied evasively.
You look off. Something wrong?
Olivia hadnt heard words of support in years. She never complained to her parents; she didnt want to upset them, and Mark had been quietly pushing everyone away. Overwhelmed, she broke down:
Sophie, everythings terrible. Mark drives me mad, constantly criticises and humiliates me. I cant take it any longer. Im scared hell turn violent during our fights.
Sophie listened without interruption.
I want to leave him, Sophie. I really do, but Im terrified. I dont know where to start. How will I survive?
Run, Olivia! I wont let you face this alone. Come stay with me. Do you remember my address? And there are free counselling services for women escaping abusive partners.
I didnt know about those, Olivia admitted.
Now you do. And remember, youre strong. Youll get through this.
After work they met again, and the twohour conversation left Olivia feeling like a new person.
That night, when she returned home, Mark was waiting, planted in his armchair, eyes glued to the TV.
Where have you been? he asked without turning.
Out, Olivia replied.
Youre out a lot these days. Got yourself a lover?
A cold chill raced through her chest.
What are you talking about? she snapped.
Nothing. Id be shocked if you were cheating. Youre a bit lively.
Mark, enough, Olivia said wearily. I wont listen to this any longer.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Youll have to manage yourself.
Olivia inhaled deeply, forcing calm.
Mark, we need to talk.
What about? My infidelities?
No. About us. About our marriage.
And?
I want a divorce.
Marks eyes widened.
What did you just say?
I said I want a divorce. I cant live like this. You constantly demean me, criticize me. Im miserable next to you.
Youre out of 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 deserve happiness.
Happiness? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. Youre useless to anyone. Got that?
Olivia stayed silent. She had no more arguments; her decision was made.
Im leaving tomorrow, she said evenly.
Where will you go? Youre broke! Mark shouted.
Thats none of your business. Ill manage.
Ill make sure you never leave! Ill find you and make you regret ever being born! Youre a shameless wretch! I gave you everything, brought you into society, and this is how you repay me?
Olivia turned without a word and headed to the bedroom to pack.
Mark spent the night on the sofa. Olivia lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thoughts spiralling. Fear of the future, of loneliness, of never finding happiness tormented her, but the greatest terror was the prospect of staying with Mark.
At dawn Olivia rose, washed her face, dressed, and walked into the kitchen. Mark was already at the table, coffee steaming.
Youre not going anywhere, he growled. Dont even think about running while Im at work!
Ive already decided, Olivia replied.
I wont let you!
Enough, Mark
Cant you hear what Im saying?
Mark rose from his chair and stalked toward her. Olivia flinched.
Dont come near me, she pleaded. Mark, stay back!
He shoved her against the wall. Her head struck the plaster and she crumpled to the floor. The man who had once been her lover raised his fist. Olivia closed her eyes, bracing for the worst.
A sudden chorus of screams ripped through the early morning. Alert neighbours called the police. Officers burst in, pulling Olivia away from the violence and rushing her to the hospital. After she was discharged, she filed for divorce immediatelyher marriage had crumbled beyond repair.
