Triggers: Domestic violence!

His hands shook as he stared down at the broken plate on the floor.

Fuck, not again... this was the third time he’d broken something, and the bruises on his stomach, neck, legs, and arms were still fresh from the last two times.

Hearing the front door creak open and slam shut, his whole body trembled like a terrified Chihuahua, knowing what was in store for him.

“J...

“I’m...”

“What? What is it?”

“I’m leaving... I got a job offer in Denver.”

“Nat... please... you can’t-”

“Dammit, James, I /have/ to take this opportunity! God, I knew you’d do this, I just knew-“

“Well, how the hell do you expect me to react?! You’re moving halfway across the fucking country! I want us to make this work, but you-”

“Oh, shut the fuck up. You don’t fucking get to do that to m...

He stared me down as I avoided his gaze. However, I could feel his eyes bearing into my skull, hot and heavy and downright... creepy.

“Please,” I whispered, “I... I want to live.”

“Give me one good reason why I should let you walk out of here in one piece,” his voice was like a knife stabbing my ears.

“I... I have a family. A mom, a dad, siblings, aunts and uncles and cousins... I have a niece,...