we had been arguing consistently for months. years, if i’m being honest. i didn’t know who i was anymore. i was quiet and reserved. i had strong opinions, but i wouldn’t dare let them slip. i spent nights crying myself to sleep, but no one knew that but me. the embarrassment of telling my friends and family that they were right about this man that had taken over my life was unbearable. so, i smiled during the day and pretended things were okay. great, even.

tonight was different, though. there was something about his statement that was distinctly malicious.

“i want you to apologize.” after i made it clear i would not. he didn’t care if i apologized to her. he just wanted to prove he could make me do what i said i wouldn’t. he wanted to break me. he left me with his words as i sobbed on the shower floor. he had friends over, and i knew they could hear me, but no one came.

that was it. i could no longer be this broken mess of tears. i didn’t know who this person was who looked at me from the mirror with puffy red eyes. when night came, i left. i took nothing but my phone and the clothes i had on, and i left.