By Jo Gatenby
She holds her cheek, staring at him in disbelief as he stammers his apologies. He winces, rushing to get her a cold cloth…ice.
“I’m sorry—I’m sorry,” fills the air. He’s never struck her before, no matter how terrible the argument. Yet the imprint of his hand reddens her skin.
Is this how it begins?
Will she become one of those women hiding their humiliation behind dark sunglasses—“I’m so clumsy”?
He’s a good father—will that convince her to stay?
Yes, he apologized. But hadn’t she seen—just for a moment—a flash of absolute glee cross his face?
The absolute glee across his face took this tale to another dimension. Well done!
Wow.
Very disturbing.
Excellent tale of the onset of spousal abuse. Nicely done!
Great work, Jo. I always learn a lot from reading your stories and this one is no exception. Thanks for sharing
Powerful in so few words..
Is this how it begins? Wow! The internal dialogue is gripping. The questions. The rationalization. Well done, Jo.
Great story. The beginning of the end.