Do you even need me? Max says, his voice low.
Please, Max, let me go We tried to build a life together, but it fell apart. Why keep hurting each other? Lets just divorce now, I plead.
Yes, right now! he smirks. Youre daydreaming. Im not letting you off. Youre my wife, Im your husband, were a family. Are you unhappy? Have you stopped loving me? Is there someone else? Answer when I ask!
—
Poppy sits on the edge of the sofa, nervously pulling at the corner of the blanket. After another shouting match with Max, she wants to vanish, to disappear from his life forever. She could file for divorce, but she lacks the courage to start the paperwork. Two years of marriage now feel like a nightmare, especially the last six months, when Max suddenly turned into a ruthless home tyrant, finding fresh reasons to criticize her every day.
This morning the drama begins with something seemingly harmless. Poppy orders a new facial cream online.
Another splurge on nonsense? Maxs voice booms as she walks in with the parcel.
She tries to explain, but Max doesnt listen.
Do you ever think about us? Or only about yourself, dear? That cream could have been spent on something useful, like helping my parents.
Max, why 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 support, understand? Youre selfish, Poppy. You pour almost all your earnings into skin creams and wipes!
His voice hardens, his eyes flash. Poppy cant hold back tears. Max slams the door, leaving her alone with her sobs and a crushing sense of helplessness. He always does thispushes her to the edge and then walks away…
Poppy remembers how it all began. Max once seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Over time something changed. Or perhaps she never saw his true self.
That evening Max returns. Poppy is in the kitchen, sipping tea.
Are you crying again? he asks without looking.
No you just hurt me, she whispers.
I hurt you? Youre at fault. Think before you act.
What am I doing wrong? Poppy asks quietly.
Everything! You never try. Im exhausted from work, and you? You spend half the day on the keyboard, the other half sitting at home!
I work too, not less than you, she retorts, then instantly regrets it.
Whats your job? A pittance! Im the one providing for this family. You should appreciate that, Poppy. Ive never heard a thank you from you, even though Ive earned it!
I appreciate you, Max 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 you constantly drown me in tears! Why do you paint me as a monster?
Max youre constantly dissatisfied. Im scared 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 screaming! My mind isnt steel; I cant control myself
Stop whining! You always play the victim. It makes me sick!
His disgust is so intense it hurts Poppy physically.
I dont understand whats happening, she whispers. Why are you like this?
Just behave, dont annoy me and everything will be fine.
Poppy looks at him. Theres no warmth left in his eyes, only irritation.
Maybe we should talk to a counsellor? she suggests.
A counsellor? You need one, youre delusional, Max snaps. You always invent problems out of thin air.
Those words cement Poppys resolve. Max grabs a quick bite and turns on the telly while she pulls out an old notebook and begins sketching an escape plan. She must think everything through.
—
The next morning Poppy leaves the house earlier than usual. She decides to stop at a café, sit in silence, and sort her thoughts. After ordering a coffee, she flips open her notebook and writes:
Step one: find parttime work. Need more money than now. Step two: rent a small flat or a room. Step three: gather my belongings. Step four
Poppy? a familiar voice calls.
She looks up to see her former classmate, Lucy.
Lucy! What a surprise!
Its been ages, Lucy smiles. What are you up to? Working here?
No, just needed a place to think, Poppy replies evasively.
Something wrong? You look pale. Are you ill?
Poppy hasnt heard supportive words in ages. She never complained to her parents, not wanting to worry them, while Max kept pushing everyone away. Overwhelmed, she breaks down:
Lucy, everythings terrible. Max drives me mad, constantly criticises and humiliates me. I cant take it any longer. Im scared hell lose control during an argument.
Lucy listens without interrupting.
I want to leave him, Poppy continues. Im terrified. I dont know where to start. How will I survive?
Run, Poppy! I wont let you face this alone. You can 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, Poppy admits.
Now you do. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Youre strong, youll get through this.
After work they meet again, and after a twohour conversation Poppy feels like a different person.
—
That evening, when she returns home, Max is already waiting, perched in an armchair watching the news.
Where have you been? he asks without turning.
Out for a walk, Poppy answers.
Youve been out a lot lately. Got a lover?
A chill runs through her.
What are you saying? she protests.
What? I wont be surprised if youve been cheating. Youre getting quite the reputation.
Max, enough, she says tiredly. I dont want to hear this anymore.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Youll have to make do.
Poppy takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
Max, we need to talk.
About what? My infidelities?
No, about us. Our marriage.
And what are you going to say?
I want a divorce.
Max looks at her, stunned.
What did you just say?
I said I want a divorce. I cant live like this any longer. You constantly belittle and criticize me. Im unhappy with you.
Youre losing your mind! Divorce? Who will you be without me? No one! You should be grateful Im still with you.
I owe nothing to anyone. I want to be happy.
Happy? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. Youre nobody without me. Understand?
Poppy stays silent. She no longer wants to argue. Shes made up her mind.
Im leaving tomorrow, she says calmly.
Where will you go? Youre broke! Max shouts.
Thats none of your business. Ill manage.
No, I wont let you go! Ill find you and make you regret being born! Youre a sham! Ive given you everything, introduced you to society, and you
She doesnt answer. She simply turns and walks toward the bedroom to pack.
Max ends up sleeping on the sofa. That night Poppy cant sleep; she lies awake staring at the ceiling, thoughts racing. She fears the future, fears being alone, fears never finding happiness again. Most of all, she fears staying with Max.
In the early morning Poppy rises, washes her face, gets dressed, and heads to the kitchen. Max is already at the table, sipping coffee.
You wont go anywhere, he says. Dont even think about running while Im at work!
Ive already decided, Poppy replies.
I wont let you!
Enough, Max
You dont get what Im saying!
Max gets up, strides toward her. She flinches.
Dont come near me, she pleads. Max, step back!
Max shoves her against the wall. She hits her head and falls to the floor. The man who was once loving now raises his fist. Poppy closes her eyes, bracing for the worst
A neighbour, hearing the earlymorning screams, calls the police. Officers arrive, pull Poppy to safety, and rush her to the hospital. After shes discharged, she immediately files for divorce. Their marriage collapses, and she finally steps out of Maxs shadow.
