Jigsaw Pieces

Amelia

‘Open the door,’ he shouted and thumped both fists on the door. I knew, the longer I stayed in the bathroom the consequences would be far worse. He could easily break the door down if he wanted, he was toying with me, making me think I had a choice. I held my head in my knees as I sat rocking myself on the floor against the bathroom door, frantically thinking about how I was going to get through this night. I just wanted to fast forward the shouting, the punches to the part where I lay curled up in my bed where I’d be safe. Another three thumps landed on the door which vibrated through my back. He was growling now which wasn’t a good sign.

‘I don’t want to argue.’ I tried to stay strong, but he knew I was begging. ‘I’ll come out if we can just talk, please, let’s talk.’

I heard him step back onto the creak in the hallway, this was my chance. I wiped my eyes with the hands and re-tied my hair that he had pulled out and carefully unlocked the door and peered into the hallway. My heart was in my mouth, as I steadied my hands on the door to stop them from shaking. I had to stay strong. I saw him, stood where the floorboards creaked, his face like thunder, hands clenched in fists, his hair was disheveled, breathing heavy, readying himself for what was about to come. To think at one point, he looked at me with love and lust. I had to focus, no more thinking of what was. I stepped out of the bathroom and looked at the entrance to my door. If I could just make it across. As if he read my mind, he pinned me against the wall by my throat as the pain in my ribs shocked me feeling the full force of his fist. I couldn’t breathe. ‘Please,’ I managed to choke out. ‘I’m.. I’m.. s-s-s-sorry.’

‘I will not have you to talking to anyone. You will not speak to him, or any other man while you are under this roof, do you hear me,’ He emphasized each word with sheer confidence into my left ear as tears streamed down my face. I whimpered and nodded frantically to acknowledge his command. I forced my eyes to remain closed as the grip around my neck started to loosen. Even smallest thing could get him started.

Eventually, he let go which made me cough and keel over. I opened my eyes and attempted to turn and walk to my sanctuary, but he was feeling energetic tonight. He pulled me back by my hair, snagging my hair tie again to release my thick curls and pushed me to the floor where he kicked me. Again, and again until I lost count. It didn’t bother him where he kicked, he just kicked. I tried to protect my head with my arms but that exposed my stomach and previously bruised ribs. I only figured out he had stopped kicking me when the front door slammed shut. I listened to the car start outside the front door and waited for it to pull away before I opened myself up and crawled over to my door. I held onto the door handle, dragging myself up which took me longer as it revealed where his kicks had landed on my body. I pushed the door and locked it as soon as I closed it, turning around and falling onto my bed, releasing the gates holding back my silent tears I’d been holding in. I can’t do this anymore. I need to this academic year to be over. I can’t be here anymore. Wondering what tomorrow had in store for me, my body ached as my breathing slowed down. Worried thoughts pounded against my forehead, my vision now blurry and I felt the room spinning. I tried to listen out for the front door but gave up as I and drifted into sleep. Tomorrow will be here soon enough.