Psyche logo

A Modern Relationship

Living With Her Abuser

By Rose M. Published 3 years ago 4 min read
1
A Modern Relationship
Photo by _Mxsh_ on Unsplash

(TW: domestic abuse)

Waking up at 8:30 A.M. she sits up in bed and sighs, it is another day hopefully a better one then the one before. Her boyfriend had already left for work an hour ago, taking the bus to his job. She left their shared room in a simple three bedroom apartment, ready to take on the days activities. Walking into the kitchen, she reaches for a clean plate and find nothing, all the dishes had piled up in the sink. Dirty and covered in decay, the odor is enough to make her gag, the stoves and countertops are covered with trash. She had listened to her mother and had decided to silently protest against her roommates, hopefully to get them to see if she did not clean no one else does. But, instead she got a text from her boyfriend about how his life is on the brink of destruction, because the house is a mess and his coworkers are the worst. Something that he of course blames her for, as she is failing at being a useless housewife. A title she never requested, yet like all the times before she buckles down and begins to clean. After doing so she has no appetite left, not that there was much food in the house to begin with anyway.

He comes home at 3:30 P.M. and complains about why the clothes aren't folded yet. His clothes. She stops her work to go to the bedroom and asks him why he can't fold his own clothes and try to clean up the space for once. He doesn't understand that she is not his mother, her job isn't to fold his clothes for him. But, since they are both female they must have the same responsibilities in his life. Something that she blames on him never being told any different, he grew up in a world where the men are viewed as better. To avoid the conflict she just hides her feelings and folds his clothing and makes the bed. Then leaves him to have a moment to relax, he calls it that but she knows that he is using it to text other girls online. Her tears are only in her mind, she knows not to cry out loud it only causes more problems for herself. She is trapped inside a broken body with a cracking mind that only cracks further every minute she tells herself it is going to be okay.

He gets hungry at 8:30 P.M. because he has no means of transportation, he softens up to her, telling her how much she means to him. It is a cycle she has become aware of, she grabs her keys, halting her work once again, for a man of falsity. He already has a place in mind, but asks her to choose a place so he seems nice, she chooses wrong and gets called a dumb bitch. His yelling in the dark car grows more and more violent, tears starting to slip down her cheeks as she tries to get him to calm down. The drive-thru stops him, he is addicted to the junk food that has caused him to grow heavier. She is reluctant to order her meal, not wanting to eat the same thing again, but under the pressure of his stare she orders. She prays maybe this time the cashier will see the tear stains see the devil in his eyes and wonder if she is okay.

After sipping on his drug of choice he has calmed down and is back to being the sweet talker. He has everyone fooled, even her own heart is confused. But, her mind desperately wants to be free, wants to have a chance on her own. She dreams of a fantasy land where she can find love and be loved as much as she loves them, but it is just dreams to her. Her reality is one where she fights just to make it through each day. Each night being locked out of their shared room at his choosing, being blocked from accessing the bathroom or her belongings. She sleeps out in the living room with only the couch and her mind to keep her company. One day she will be able to save enough for her own place away from him and those dreams and thoughts keep her pushing through to the next day.

She is Me.

trauma
1

About the Creator

Rose M.

Rose grew up in a house inspired by her mom, who is an amazon bestselling author, and encouraged by her father. She always held great interest in both history and all things lifestyle. Her goal for Vocal is to express her opinions.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.