Jeff was a mountain of a man. He stood a few inches over six feet and had at least 70 pounds on her slim stature. He had let himself go though, since his high school years, partly due to the sedentary nature of his job. Nonetheless, Vivian knew he could overpower her easily, and she planned to be careful tonight, hoping he would be back to his usual self when he was sober next morning.
Jeff’s beady green eyes scanned her from his light grey recliner armchair, as she walked towards him with the chilled beer in hand. His gaze unnerved her enough that she tripped over the leg of the coffee table. She caught herself by gripping onto the edge of the table, but the glass mug went flying, shattering into pieces on the polished hardwood floor.
For a moment, there was only deafening silence before Jeff’s loud, gravelly voice pierced through the short-lived quietude. But then before an evil grin adorned his rugged features.
“You slut, you’re going to get it today,” he thundered. Filled with trepidation at her careless mistake, Vivian swiftly turned and rushed for the guest bedroom, hoping to lock herself in until her son got back
“Get back here you bitch!”
A small shard of glass pierced her bare right foot, causing her to grimace as pain shot through her leg. Slowed down considerably, she barely got to the doorway before she was sent flying into the room as Jeff landed a rough kick to her lower back.
Vivian huddled into a ball, cowering as her Jeff’s huge frame loomed over her — effectively sealing any form of exit. Her eyes widened in fear as she caught sight of a large shard of glass gleaming from the moonlight. The rage in his eyes, making her blood turn ice cold. Her heart was thundering, and she could hear every beat in her chest.
“Ple..please I’m sorry Jeff. It won’t happen aga..again. I’ll get another glass for you right away.
Vivian pleaded, tears now threatening to drop from her soft, brown eyes.
“Too late bitch, now you’re gonna pay.”
Jeff grabbed her left arm roughly as he swung his right hand backwards to slice her with the sharp glass. She clenched her eyes closed, waiting for the impact. But it never came, and Vivian forced her eyes open.
She was still in bed, her thick brown locks plastered to her forehead, drenched in sweat. The howling of the gusty winter wind could be heard outside from her bedroom window. Vivian looked up at the digital display. 6:58am.
‘It’s been 3 years and I’m still having nightmares.’ She reached for the glass of water on her nightstand, tugging the covers off. ‘Might as well start the day early.’ Some meditation after a warm shower should relax her. Clutching the long white nightgown tighter around her lithe frame, Vivian chugged down the glass of water replenishing her dry, sore throat.
Feeling a little better, she made her way to the master bath. Glancing at the vanity through her peripheral vision, Vivian struck a sideways pose. She liked with what she saw. Even in her late thirties, Vivian had maintained her naturally slim figure. Falling into depression 2 years ago after the incessant abuse from her now ex-husband, it started with weekly meditation sessions recommended by her counsellor. Watching the yoga sessions that began at the same time, Vivian found herself with a new hobby in yoga and later Pilates, both of which not only improved her physical wellbeing but also the mental aspect. She shrugged off her nightgown, letting it fall onto the cold tiles.
wpDiscuz