Member-only story
When Love Hurts: Breaking Free From Emotional Abuse
Abuse isn’t always visible
Trigger warning: descriptions of abuse.
It was an ordinary evening. I was writing an essay for college. A crumpled piece of paper landed on my laptop keyboard.
“What the f – k is that?” Taylor’s voice sliced through the quiet of our small apartment. Sharp. Accusatory. All too familiar. My stomach clenched, a reflex I’d learned to suppress over time.
I unfolded the receipt and frowned. “It’s from the gift shop,” I said. “I bought a small present for Blair’s birthday. Remember? I told you about it last week.”
“Liar,” Taylor hissed. “Who’s that f – t you’re seeing? Some nobody, because I’m too good for you?”
Before I could respond, a blow landed on the back of my head, jerking my face dangerously close to the keyboard.
“Never forget – you are nothing without me,” Taylor said, their voice calm but brimming with satisfaction.
I stared at the receipt in my trembling hands, knowing any reply would only fan the flames. I’d been through this before – there was no winning, only enduring.
A misplaced receipt, a casual conversation, even an innocent glance in the wrong direction – any trivial thing could ignite Taylor’s…
