The first move had been made. In just a few minutes, almost two years of pain and abuse were almost over. She couldn’t have done it without Bill and his unwavering support, his face set stern as he drove. Bill had given Rachael a way out of her misery, made her realize that while she was still alive, there was a chance for her to recuperate her loses and still take some pleasure from life.

            Rachael waved nervously as she watched the back of Bills car speed away, taking her possessions out of the prison that was her home. She moved silently back into the house and was soon standing by the marital bed, looking down on David.

            “David,…David,…” she cooed gently into his ear, shaking his shoulder a little more than gently, attempting to wake him out of his unconsciousness. It took more than a few minutes but she managed it.

            “What?” he growled, acidic alcoholic breath blowing into Rachael’s face turning her stomach.

            “David, I’m leaving” she said with a quite confidence, unsure herself of where it came from. It took David a moment for his brain to register the words.

            “Where are you going?”

            “Away David, I’m leaving you”

David’s bloodshot eyes sprang open with realization. Without another word, he flung a heavy arm up at Rachael’s face, connecting with a powerful, sickening thud.

            “Like hell, you’re leaving” David bellowed as he lurched out of bed. “The only way you’ll leave me is in a coffin”.

And with those words, he was upon her. A kick to the groin, a punch to the chest. A constant flurry of flailing limbs, all directed with grievous force at Rachael’s body. Soon her whimpering and moaning ceased as she blacked out.