“Why are you acting like this?”

Elliot’s voice ripped through the tension in the air.

Tina sucked in a deep breath, fingers gripping her skirt.

“Why are you?” She retorted.

His mouth turned into a deep frown. “I’m only protecting you, dearest. That’s what a husband does. This silly woman who claims to be your friend is interfering in our life we’ve built together. You’ve never acted up like this until she started giving her thoughts and opinions on things that do not concern her. She-“

Tina clinched her fist. “Enough! Stop it!” Her face flushed with anger. He always kept going on and on. It was very annoying to her.

“I agree with what she says, Elliot. This. Our relationship is not healthy. And it has certainly not made me happy. I can’t handle this.”

Elliot’s eyes narrowed, as he placed his hands into his pockets.

“What are you saying?”

“I want to leave…” Tina lowered her head.

“You want to leave?” He questioned. A thoughtful look in his eyes.

“Where will you go?”

His wife remained silent.

The man let out a hum. Rolling back his broad shoulders.

“To your friend, I assume.”

Tina began to walk away from him and towards their room.

“I’ll be leaving in a week.”

“So soon?”

“It’s best if I leave as soon as I can, El. I have nearly everything packed.”

His eyebrows knitted together. “You’re set in your decision.”

“I am.”

Elliot followed behind her, keeping a steady pace. Stopping at the doorway he crossed his arms. He watched her as she sat on the bed. His eyes as ever calm as they always were.

“You are acting on impulse, dear. Have you even thought about me?”

Her eyes lifted up to his brown orbs. They bore into her. Daring her to give a reasonable answer.

“I have, actually. You are a capable man, Elliot. With a very good income. I know you can live without me. We will both be happier after I leave.”

Arms still folded, he shifted his weight to one side, slightly leaning against the doorframe.

Her husband’s jaw tightened. “You know me well. But about being happier?” He paused, “Those are the words of your friend talking, not you.” He spoke, sternly.

Elliot suddenly closed the door shut. He walking lightly towards Tina. A harsh glare pierced Elliot. He was always so calm and soft spoken. It was his way of getting what he wanted. He didn’t see the use of violence. He preferred to dive deep into the mind. Manipulate thoughts, and feelings. His wife’s stomach twisted into a nasty not.

He placed his hands on each side of her. His heavy presence loomed over her. Choking her. Strangling her. Trapping her.

“What you are doing is very childish. You are simply acting on emotion. But I won’t let you go. I love you too much.”

Tina turned her face away from him.

“No, you don’t. Even if it started out that way, it’s become twisted. El, please listen…” she whispered. Her voice growing quiet.

Elliot reared back, placing his hands upon her legs with a gentle squeeze.

“I have been.” He answered, softly. “But I won’t take it to heart, Tina. It is your friend’s words after all.”

“Elliot!” She cried out, exasperated. Her head pounding. Grabbing her head, she groaned. Nothing seemed to be gettting through to him. He was always like this. Why? Why can’t he just listen to her? Why can’t he let her be happy? Tears fell down, as she prepared herself for his scolding. But it never came…

Her husband lifted up his hands, slowly, placing them on her cheeks as he wiped the tears away.

He smiled. “Now, now. Don’t cry, darling. We will get over this little slump, all right?”

His darling wife froze. She was completely stiff. Eyes widened in horror. Elliot never smiled. Never, ever. The way his lips slithered up his face. The way the small wrinkles cupped his cheeks. It was dark and uncomfortable. His eyes flicked up towards her own. Claiming quiet authority over her. Staring back at him, she felt a dryness envelope her throat. She dared not to utter another word.

He pulled her up from the bed. Her legs shook violently. Noticing this, he wrapped his arm around her, holding her close.

“You’re exhulted.” He pointed out, as he led her out of the bedroom. He rubbed her back slowly. She tensed up. What was suppose to be a comforting jester felt as if needles were running up and down her back.

“I have an idea. Since you’re so worn out. How about I cook dinner for us? Hm?”

He cooed, his course fingers stroked her cheek.

Tina’s quiet response spoke volumes to Elliot.

She made her way to the couch in defeat.

“That’s right, dear. Get plenty of rest. I’ll handle everything.”