I Wish I Could (CW14-2015)

Prompt: Write about a time you, or your character, said something you wish you could take back.

Here we go again. Another phone call in the middle of the night with her sobbing uncontrollably. I’m surprised he let her use the phone. “When are you going to get out of there?” I couldn’t contain my irritation.

“I called the cops this time. They arrested him. They’re still here, but I feel bad because he might lose his job, and his family is going to blame me. I don’t know what to do. Could you come over?”

“Blame you!” I was livid. “He should have thought about losing his job before putting his hands on you! Again! You should have left when he didn’t complete his court-mandated anger management counselling.”

“Sis, I know. Please just come.”

“Holy Jesus Christ! Aren’t you tired of having the same conversation with me about the same shit? Aren’t you tired of covering for him? Aren’t you tired of getting beat? Ten years from now, I bet we are going to be having the same conversation, or you’ll be dead.”

“No. Don’t say that.”

“Alright! Are you going to follow through this time?”

Silence. Silence and sobs is all I hear.

“That’s what I thought. Why don’t you just kill yourself before he does!”

I read this and it makes me feel sick, but I had to write it then and post it now. I wish anyone who find themselves in an abusive relationships will have access to the support and resources they need. I hope their families and friends will recognize the signs and understand how abuse can affect their loved ones.