The Break That Saved My Life
“Eleanor, what do you think you’re doing?!” Robert’s voice thundered through the flat. “Where on earth are you going dressed like that?”
“To the theatre, if you don’t mind!” Eleanor adjusted her new blouse, bought on sale, before the mirror. “Maggie and I arranged it; we’ve been longing to see this play.”
“What theatre? Your duties here are unfinished! The dishes aren’t washed, my shirts aren’t ironed! And you’re off to the theatre!” Robert seized Eleanor’s arm, twisting her toward him. “Change immediately and tend to the house!”
Eleanor yanked her arm free, but a reddish mark lingered on her wrist.
“Robert, we discussed this yesterday! I spent the entire day at home, finishing everything. I just want one evening to myself—what’s so unreasonable?”
“For yourself?!” He sneered contemptuously. “Who feeds and clothes you? Who provides this roof? I’ve just come home hungry as a wolf, wanting a proper meal, not those pitiful sandwiches of yours!”
Eleanor silently entered the kitchen, retrieving items from the fridge. Her hands trembled, her insides knotted into a tight ball. That morning, she’d been so joyful about the evening—even styling her hair and polishing her shoes. Now…
“Exactly!” Robert grunted, satisfied, turning up the telly. “And be quick! I’m famished!”
While the frying pan heated, Eleanor stole glances out the window. In the yard, a woman her age walked a spaniel, laughing into her phone. How carefree she seemed—unburdened and light…
“Eleanor! Have you dozed off daydreaming?!” Robert barked from the sitting room.
“Cooking now, nearly done!” she called back, hastily flipping the cutlets.
Robert appeared in the kitchen doorway, leaning against the frame. “Listen—Mr. Peterson’s coming ’round tomorrow evening to discuss business. No silly friends allowed—you’ll stay quietly at home, serving tea if asked.”
“But tomorrow’s Saturday,” Eleanor objected meekly. “I planned to meet the girls at the café…”
“Girls? You’re forty-three, Eleanor—grow up! Put your mind to proper things: home and family. Not nonsense with friends and cafés.”
Eleanor set a plate before him and sat opposite. Her appetite vanished; a lump tightened her throat.
“Robert, why treat me this way? You weren’t like this before… We used to visit theatres and cinemas together; you brought me flowers…”
“Before!” He waved dismissively. “You were younger then, more striking. Now what remains? You’ve grown plump and old, dressing like a dowager. I’m ashamed to be seen with you!”
The words struck deeper than any blow. Eleanor rose to clear the table. Tears threatened, but she held them back—refusing him further reason to belittle her.
“Stop blubbering!” Robert wrinkled his nose. “I can’t bear snivelling women. Better consider how to improve yourself. Join a gym, start a diet. You’ve completely neglected
She walked away from Nicholas that day carrying only the faintest shadow of regret for years wasted, but filled with a profound gratitude for the terrifying, liberating leap that had finally set her free toward the sunshine of her own life.
