Pride

PRIDE
The first time it all seemed like a coincidence to you.
He came in angry - his face tense, his fingers trembling, his eyebrows drawn together in silent rage. You wanted to hug him, stroke his head, tell him he was not alone. But he pushed you away.

• Don't interfere.
  He said sharply.
  Then, an hour later, he came up and handed me a chocolate bar.

You nodded. Of course. It happens. Everyone has bad days.

He broke your phone because you forgot to reply to his message.

• So you have someone? Do you really think I'm stupid enough not to see that your eyes dart around when someone else enters the room?
  He was breathing heavily and his gaze was piercing.
• You don't even know how to communicate normally. Who would even look at you? No one needs such an empty, eternally apologetic girl.

You stood there. And something sharp had already ignited inside. Not an insult - a doubt... is this really your person?

• It's not fair.
  You exhaled

He snorted.

• You do nothing. You just wait for people to pity you. Weak. You're just disgusting!
  The third time you didn't remain silent.
• Don't you dare talk to me like that!
  Your voice trembled, but you stood straight, not lowering your gaze.
• I am a human being. I am not trash. I am not your property!
  He came closer. The smile disappeared. There was nothing in his eyes but coldness.
• So now you're contradicting me? Who taught you to speak in that tone? It's all your "girlfriends", right? Who whisper that it's time for you to leave me?

He just looked. For a long time. Then he went into the bathroom, slamming the door loudly.
You cried all night. But decided to stay. For now.

The fourth time...you couldn't take it anymore.
He came back from the street, you heard the key in the lock. And you immediately spoke before he even had time to take off his jacket

• I'm tired.
  You spoke calmly. Clearly.
• I don't want this anymore. It hurts. I'm scared. I don't deserve to be treated like this. I'm leaving.

Silence.
Then - a sharp movement.
He slammed the door. Locked the door. Slowly turned to you.

• Repeat.
• Repeat. What did you say there?
  You swallowed but didn't back down.
• I want to break up. I don't want to live in fear all my life.