I stood there, frozen, like I’d been struck by lightning. Did David really just say, “We’re all family”? The words echoed in my head, each one more absurd than the last.
How could he be so dismissive? He had nearly caused harm to our child!
“Do you even hear yourself?” I snapped, my voice trembling with anger and disbelief. “Our child—our child almost didn’t make it! And now you’re telling me to just let it go? Do you even have a heart, David?”
He reached out and steadied me as I wavered, my emotions threatening to knock me off balance. His tone was calm and patronizing, and it made my blood boil.
“I know, honey, I know. This has been hard on you,” he said like he was reasoning with a child. “But it’s the New Year. Please, give me some face and let it go, okay? Ryan’s just a kid—playful, that’s all. I’ll talk to him, I promise. You’re always so healthy—nothing really happened. Let’s just move on. Be good, alright?”
His words confirmed what I’d been trying to ignore. He didn’t care about how I felt—not even a little.
I closed my eyes, letting the tears spill over. At that moment, I saw him clearly for what he was. He wasn’t my protector, my partner, or my safe place. He was someone who expected me to endure, no matter how much it hurt.
That same thought rang clear in my mind: 'I have to get a divorce.'
But I couldn’t fight them head-on. Not here, not in this remote, isolated place. I’d read too many stories about people disappearing in small villages to risk it. If I made the wrong move, I’d be the one paying the price.
So, I softened. I pretended to let it go.
“Just make sure it doesn’t happen again,” I murmured, keeping my voice even. “I was really scared this time.”
David’s face brightened like I’d just handed him a trophy. He wiped the tears off my cheeks with a smile. “That’s my girl. I knew you’d understand. Alright, everyone, let’s go back to eating.”
But Cindy wasn’t finished.
“What about Ryan’s medical expenses?” she piped up, her voice sharp.
David shot her a warning glare. “That’s enough.”
...
Later that night, upstairs, I sat on the bed, my fists clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms.
But I didn’t feel the pain. All I felt was fear—deep, bone-chilling fear. My hands wouldn’t stop trembling, and tears streamed down my face in an endless, silent flow.
This family was terrifying. I had to leave. I had to get out of here and end this marriage.
David came upstairs a little later, holding a bowl of chicken soup.
“Here, babe,” he said with a smile that sent shivers down my spine. “You didn’t eat much earlier. Drink this, it’ll warm your stomach.”
I took the bowl, forcing a small, shaky smile.
“Thanks, David,” I said, the word catching in my throat.
“David, my stomach doesn’t feel right,” I added after a pause, keeping my voice soft and hesitant. “Can we go back tomorrow? I’m worried—I want to get checked at the hospital.”
He didn’t seem suspicious, but he wasn’t budging either.
“It’s rare for us to come back for the New Year,” he replied, setting a hand lightly on my belly. “Let’s stay a few more days. The baby’s healthy—it’ll be fine. Don’t stress.”
After he left, I grabbed my phone and sent a message to my family group chat:
[Mom, you're right. I’ll listen to you. I’m not keeping this child.]
My mom had never liked David. She used to say he was too cunning, too manipulative, and that I’d regret marrying him.
But I’d been stubborn—a fool blinded by the idea of love. I thought I was fighting for something meaningful.
Her reply came quickly: [As long as you’ve made up your mind, that’s all that matters. Mom will always support you.]
Tears blurred my vision as I stared out the window. The forest outside was pitch black, the trees like looming shadows ready to swallow everything whole.
If I hadn’t forgotten my glasses, I would’ve driven myself out of there that very moment. But for now, I was trapped. I couldn’t leave, and I couldn’t provoke him.
I needed a plan.
...
The next morning, David tried to wake me up, but I didn’t respond.
He came into the bedroom and pulled back the covers. His face paled as his eyes landed on the large red stain on the sheets beneath me.
“Elaine! Baby, wake up!” he yelled as he shook me frantically. “Are you okay? Come on, don’t do this to me!”
