The air thickened with awkwardness. I went to
the closet, changed my clothes, and headed
for the door.
“Where are you going?” Ethan called after
- me.
“Out with my friends,” I replied calmly, and
closed the door, ignoring his shouts.
After we started dating, I’d stopped going out
with my friends because Ethan didn’t like me
く
always assuming I was stuck at home.
because Ethan was so controlling. Now,
finally, I could see them.
Later, as we were leaving the bar, my friends
complained, “We thought you ditched us for
that guy! Don’t do that again. Guys come and
go, but friends are forever.”
I nodded enthusiastically. “From now on, I’m
coming to everything, I promise.”
I’d focused all my energy on Ethan, letting my
own social life wither. Now, it seemed like
such a stupid choice.
I glanced at my phone. Ethan had returned
the money.
I got home around 3 am I flicked on the
<
lights to find Ethan sitting on the couch. For a
moment, I was disoriented, wondering if I was
hallucinating.
He saw me, drunk, and instead of helping me,
just looked at me with disapproval.
“Seriously, Olivia? Do you have any self-
respect? A married woman out getting
wasted like this? It’s pathetic,” he sneered.
My head was spinning. His voice made it
worse. I steadied myself against the wall and
stumbled to the couch.
Ethan wrinkled his nose at the smell of
alcohol. “Didn’t I tell you I don’t like your
friends? And you’re out partying with them
again?”
<
“Sarah and I aren’t what you think. We’re just
friends right now. You really don’t need to get
this drunk over her,” he continued.
I leaned my head on my hand, groaning.
“You’re imagining things. I just had a few
drinks because I was having fun with my
friends.”
Seeing my state, Ethan’s voice rose. “Enough!
I’m trying to give you an out, so what’s your problem? Don’t push me. My patience has
limits. I’m not a saint. I can’t keep putting up
with this.”
My head throbbed, his voice making it worse.
I rubbed my temples. “Are you finished?
Because I’m going to bed.”
Ethan took a deep breath, composing himself,
<
and stood up to help me. I dodged him,
clinging to my last shred of sobriety.
I stumbled into the guest room and locked the
door, ignoring Ethan’s knocking. I fell into a
deep, peaceful sleep, the best I’d had in ages.
I woke up to find Ethan sitting silently in the
living room, his face a thundercloud. I knew
he was furious, but I didn’t try to appease
him. I just got ready and left.
I went to the dance studio and handed in my resignation. I’d taken the job because it was
close to home, making it easy to take care of Ethan. But there was no point anymore.
My teacher tried to convince me to stay, but I was firm. Last week, I’d heard back about a dance company abroad. I’d gotten in! It had
<
always been my dream, but I’d given it up for
Ethan. Thankfully, it wasn’t too late.
After leaving the studio, I finished up some
errands and called my friends to share the
good news. They were thrilled for me, then
one asked hesitantly, “What about Ethan?
Does he know you’re leaving?”
I chuckled. “Nope. He doesn’t need to know.
I’m going alone
When I got home, Ethan was just leaving, dressed in a suit and a forest green tie,
looking sharp. He was carrying a birthday cake. It clicked. It was Sarah’s birthday.
He was on the phone, his voice cheerful.
“Come on, don’t try to guess! It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. Just wait ‘til I get there.”
<
He laughed, a genuine, happy laugh that
showed off his dimples. A laugh I rarely saw
anymore. He kept laughing until he saw me,
then his smile vanished. Ethan would bend
over backwards for Sarah, but he couldn’t
even spare me a smile.
His face darkened. He didn’t say a word, just
looked at me with disgust and turned away.
He quickly changed his shoes and slammed
the door behind him.
I knew what this meant. Another one of
Ethan’s silent treatments. They always
revolved around Sarah. Before, I would panic,
trying desperately to win him back, chasing
him even when he ignored me.
