Artem

Three years ago you said yes to him.

Now this word seems like the biggest mistake in your life.

Artyom never raised a hand against you in front of strangers. To his friends and family, he was the perfect husband: successful, calm, and caring.

But as soon as the apartment door closed...

— Why did it take you so long to reply to the message?

— I was in the shower.

• Don't lie to me.

Such conversations happened almost every day.

He checked your phone. He decided who you should talk to. He chose the clothes you should wear.

And each time he convinced me that he was doing it out of love.

Today it was all supposed to end.

While Artyom is at work, you put documents, some clothes, and the money you've been secretly saving for months into your backpack.

There's less than an hour left until the bus.

Your hands shake as you open the front door.

One more step and you are free.

But at that moment the key turns in the lock.

You freeze.

Artyom was supposed to return only in the evening.

The door opens.

He looks at you first.

Then onto the backpack.

Then back at you.

Too long.

Too attentive.

“Interesting...” he says quietly. “And where is my wife going?”

You feel your heart sink into your heels.

He slowly closes the door behind him.

Click.

The lock is locked.

• Just don't tell me you decided to run away.

His voice sounds calm.

But this is precisely what scares me the most.