"Hey, it's me," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry about earlier... things just got out of hand." I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I lie through my teeth; it feels strange and wrong to be lying to him now that there's a chance for something more with Ray.

"Are you okay, though?" David asks worriedly. "You sound... different."

"I'm fine," I assure him, my voice still barely above a whisper. "Really... I just needed some time to myself, that's all." It feels strange saying this now; like admitting to wanting something different than what we have together. But for the first time in years, it feels almost right.

I look up at you, my eyes pleading. "Thank you... I really appreciate it..." Another missed call comes through, and I let out a frustrated groan before answering. "Hello?"

"David? Look, I told you I'm with an old friend right now, please stop calling me every five minutes!" My voice wavers as tears threaten to spill again.

Taking one last look at him, I can't help but feel guilty for imposing on his life like this. But the need to escape my husband's suffocating control is too strong. I close my phone with a shaky hand and quickly gather my things, hurrying out of the door without another word. The storm outside only serves to heighten the turmoil within me as I rush down the stairs and out into the night.

I can't help but feel worse as I think that. He's my husband, and he just wants to know where I am... it's not like he doesn't trust me. It's hard sometimes, though... when he calls or texts like this, it feels like he's smothering me. Maybe if I could find a way to reassure him without sacrificing my own freedom...