nce or twice, a smug smile playing on his lips, as if certain I will adhere strictly to his commands. But he is gravely mistaken; I

I truly wanted to assist you, but I will not allow myself to become a victim of abuse. The years of maltreatment at my mother's hands are over. Today marks the end of the

light at an intersection that I'm jolted back to reality by the blare of a car horn. I start the car again, cross the street, and come to a stop, overwhelmed by fear. The though

to them both. That's not what I want either. Perhaps Mum would insist I stay with Luis, indifferent to his violence; she see

traight to bed and then, at the crack of dawn, I can slip away unnoticed after I've taken some money from the vase in the k

s; my mother handed them over to him on our wedding day. I held my tongue at the time because I had no need for them; my g

y skin. I'm utterly alone, with no friends to turn to. A throbbing pain emanates from the back of my head where several tender lumps have

entre that my grandfather bestowed upon me many years ago. It was a birthday gift when I turned sixteen. The memory is vivid now; he clan

promptly maps out the route for me. It's not too far away. I drive my car to the location, and upon arrival, I'm asked to show my ID at the entrance because the doorman is new and doesn't r

e let my hair down in an attempt to conceal my bruis

suspect, to get a better look at me. "It's routine. Since you're not a regular visitor, I d

eping my head down so that my hair veils my face.

es!" He hastily moves to lift

, and thank

to observe me attentively; it's apparent he senses something is amiss. I pray he doesn't discern the e

had changed his violent ways and that he would treat me kindly if I simply allow

" he calls out as I drive away. "Remember, you

r that the keys might not work. With the keys in hand, I approach the door. It's been so long since Grandpa gave them to me; I'

e onto the sofa in the living room and succumb to tears. Why must these things happen to me? I should have heeded Grandpa's advice and fled with him on my wedding day! How

ospe

r bef

it, casting glances my way as if she harbours some violent thought, while my father offers no words, only reproachful looks. I lower my h

sharply, rolling her eyes and shaking her head w

nineteen at all! I fail to understand how you became so reclusive; you be

shed tone, attempting to prevent the other patrons f

se dated garments your grandmother favours. What well

r, then at me. I try to shrink into myself, wishing to become invisible. Settling into my chair, I slip on my he

to present yourself. And look at your hair! Couldn't you have styled it any better? Didn't you bother

g worked up! Please, calm down; our guests will be here shortly,

t into my room with a bag and fl

lleagues tonight. Wear these clothes; I won't have yo

d, trying to avoid the event. "I've got crucia

is required! It's imperative that you make a good impression, so no more protests. You're

king up the bag from the bed

discover an extremely short dress that barely extended beyond my hips. Trying it on, I

m thinking, buying me attire more suited to a lady of the night