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...