Get Out
9th March, Story #69/366
Donna sat near the open window where the light was best. Where the clothes wouldn't be imbued with cooking smells from the kitchen. Wincing, she pulled the sack towards her.
The floors gleamed. Dinner was prepared, ready to go in the oven. This was the best time for this task. When all was in order, children at school, baby napping, and he, of course, still out. Still hard at work. He worked so hard. And she: dressed and made up carefully to hide the bruises. The children would come home and see her working. Serene, smiling, scarf just so. Not a hair out of place.
She sorted through the clothes methodically. A naturally house-proud woman, her organisational skills had been sharpened since...
Well. He couldn't abide untidiness of any kind, nor noise. And children make orderliness difficult. She'd got into the habit of making as little mess as possible.
He couldn't stand waste, nor extravagance. That's why he brought her these sacks of clothes. (Usually from charity shops, sometimes neighbours. This one was from his sister.) Why he made sure they had an allotment, why he gave her so little housekeeping money. She'd suggested they could live more comfortably if she just went out to work. He was so... old fashioned.
Some of the clothes were serviceable, and would be a good fit for herself or one of the children. The rest she'd unpick and re-purpose into something else. Dianna needed a new school skirt. Tomas had almost outgrown his sleepsuits. All would be washed, some treated for stains. Barely a scrap would go unused, and even those would be used for cleaning rags- what's this?
At the very bottom of the bag were two papery bundles. She pulled them out into the light. Thick envelopes. Somehow she knew what was inside before she opened them. Something about the feel and heft of them. Rich or poor, we all develop an instinct to recognise money. Fingers trembling, she opened them anyway, knowing what she'd see but still needing to see it.
This is a lot of money.
She knew what it was for, where it had come from. It spoke to her. It said, Get out.
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Word count (excluding note): 366
Submitted on 9th March at 16.23
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A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one makes a 69 day streak. You can find all of them in my Index post.
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Comments (25)
Eeek! I am glad she got out. This really took me for a surprise and really wound me up!
Great story. Taut, nice build-up, she has a great SIL! Hope she took the kids and booked it!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Back to say Congrats on Top Story!! 🎉
Congrats on TS!! ❣️
Indeed! Get out!! 😡 Fine story with terror and abuse of bully husband. Check out my 6 Snow micros starting with this: https://vocal.media/fiction/0115-pnw
Well done!! Great story telling and suspense in this. Beautifully told. Thank you for sharing.
Congrats on Top Story!🥳🥳🥳
Congrats on the TS.
Love the ending, and indo hope she did.
LC this was amazing!! You did a beautiful job turning something that was headed into a tragic end, into a thrilling and curiosity piquing story!! I'd love to know what choice this Donna ends up making!!
This is her chance, leave the man, leave the children, run away and live her best life!!!
Sometimes having someone in your corner is enough to make you feel able to get out. Totally understand that. Hope she took the money and ran. Nobody should live like that. This story is so raw and relatable.
Brilliantly written, great work!
Sometimes a sister-in-law who understands is the very best friend & ally to have.
Brilliantly done as always. Funny that he cant endure mess but does nothing about it grrr She needs to get out of there!
How many women have lived that nightmare? Many still do. Scary, simple, but too true.
So many of us know that FEELING! Hooo MAN, it's a lift!
Don't walk, run!!! Fantastic microfiction!!!💕❤️❤️
Jeez! All sorts of red flags!!! Well written LC!
Run, grab the children and run….easier said than done. I hope she does, you developed such a beautiful character, I feel she has the potential to survive. Well done
This character’s voice is so clear and compelling! Loved the act of the sister-in-law who clearly knows her brother’s true nature or has seen what the character thinks she’s been able to hide
Wow... so good!! Thank you for reminding me of stories I have been told. So many. Sending prayers for those still in that life!❤️
Great tale, L.C.! I hope she takes it and goes.
Wow oh wow. This story is absolutely incredible. A woman who in all but a legal definition is enslaved is given the money to buy her freedom. You never cease to amaze me LC!