The last breath

I got home like any other day. It was raining like it always does. I walked in and my husband was gone. There was a note.

"I'm running late at work, love you."

Every night this week. "At least it's better that way." I thought to myself, rubbing the bruise on my lower back.

What was he hiding?

I chose to not linger on the feeling too long, instead I decided to take a self care night. I went and started filling up my bathtub, putting bubbles and bath salts in it. Then I went to pour me a glass or red that I kept hidden, got my book, and lit some candles. I got undressed for my bath, dipping my toe in. The warmth of the bath gave me chills. I smiled and got in. I was reading my book, and drinking my wine. About 10 minutes into my relieving bath the the bathroom door opened. I gasped, almost screaming.

"It's just me Julia" says my husband.

"Drear lord Dan." I said sighing "I didn't hear you come in."

"Oh" he looks at me "Really? I told you you aren't allowed to drink."

"It's my choice what I put in my body Dan."

"Oh you little..." He charges at me smashing the glass on my head.

He stomps out screaming something about how useless I am. I just sit there. A trickle of blood running down my forehead. A tear rolls down my cheek. I get out of the bath to clean up. He'll be so mad if I leave it. I clean up and go to the room sobbing. I'm crying and getting a nightgown on, then he walks in. "Where is the silk one I got you?" I wipe away my tears and turn to my dresser to dig it out.

"You've been crying again."

"Sorry..."

He comes up to me kissing my neck, "I'm sorry darling. I lost my temper. It won't happen again." He runs his hand down my front. I suddenly feel sick.

"Found it." I say pulling away, "I'll put it on and make dinner."

He looks angry, but just walks away.

I sigh a short sigh of relief, but that relief was short lived. The door closed and I heard the lock turn. What? I go to it trying to open it, but it wouldn't budge. There is a tube that runs under the door. A white gas-like substance flowing out of it. My eyes started to burn, and I couldn't breath. I fell to the ground choking. Crying for help. Then... black.

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