I can’t let him kill me.

The lantern lights my path as the darkness closes in on me.

My dress betrays me as I trip on the fabric. My lantern is thrown in the air. I can’t let it’s light stop glowing. The lantern’s fire puffs out. My vision darkens. I’m alone with this monster. The cicadas drown my eardrums. My eyelids are pushed down against my will.

I wake up in darkness. I can move my limbs, which is a relief. I hear shuffling battling the silence. I stiffen. “WHY?” A raspy voice yells at me. My throat is clogged. I can’t breathe. I panic. I hear footsteps coming towards me. I see his face. My husband.

2 hours ago

“Dinner’s done!” I yell. I clean off the table. The radio is talking about a certain footballer that didn’t catch the football last night. “Miles?” I yell again.

Present

I can finally breathe again. I know what is going to happen.

I need to get out.

He is so close that I can feel him breathing on me.

I Need To Get Out.

2 hours ago

“Miles?” I yell again. I walk the hall to our room. I peek into the doorway and see beer bottles strewn all across our room. Miles is passed out on the floor.

What?

Present

His breath smells like alcohol. He’s been drinking.

“Answer. Me.” Why did he calm down? Does he feel regretful? “Why what?” I mutter under my breath. As soon as I say it I know I will die in a few minutes. His face reddens in anger. A rush of anger comes over me. I slap him. I slapped him. I just slapped him.

I Need. To. Get. Out.

Am I signing my death wish? I tense.

2 hours ago

“Miles?!” I jolt him awake. “What are you doing?”

“You quit years ago! Are you trying to erase all the hard work you went through to quit?”

“I was sleeping.” He said. “I don’t care if you were sleeping!” I replied. “Stop.” He doesn’t realize how upset I am that he would destroy all of his progress like this.

“No!” I yell.

Present

He pulls his hand back, ready to smack me.

I need to get out.

I kick him with all of my might.

2 hours ago

“STOP!” He shouts.

“No! You’re not going to ruin your life!”

His face shows a look I’ve never seen before.

I gasp. He throws me across the room.

I. Need. To. Get. Out.

I get up as fast as I can and run out of the house, grabbing a lantern on the way.

Present

I’m petrified. I can’t move. He’s running towards me.

I NEED TO GET OUT!

I black out then. All I remember is seeing him lying on a pool of blood and then I ran away.