What is this I see? Trash under the rug? In the living room no less… What has her so distracted? I did notice she has lost weight again, Her clothes hang onto her bony frame and her skin so dull.
Here she is with my cup off tea, smiling, Here Mum! I can’t believe you gave up sugar, she says Again she avoids eye contact, So glad you made time for tea with me, she adds, A tad nervous
Looking round, I see no photos of her husband in the room. I decide against asking. So how is work? That lout is gone again, I assume Great relief.
She is beaming as she sips her tea Looking out the window at her blossoming garden A soft wind sways the plants. We both draw in the scent of the garden As our eyes narrow at the morning sun
A momentary freedom A possibility or reality I am free but when will she be? She, the weeping and harassed wife, And me, the peaceful, content widow.
She tilts her head back, looking at the sky. He is gone, mama! And she lets out a hoarse laugh. Stunned, my hands shake and the cup rattles my saucer. I manage a What happened? Maya laughs again; a powerful, gutteral laugh.
Maya blinks, eyes focused as she turns to look at me. That bastard finally realised I will never be subdued. His fragile ego could not take my silence and short answers, Virgil found a new victim and fled our home. Poor girl found out about me and also left him.
Best News, she continued, his Mum called him out. He has to get help or live on the street. Virgil had nowhere to go and took her offer. His Mum tells me he will never leave that hospital. A Narcissist in a cage, Maya sighs.
Maya and Virgil spent four painful years of marriage, After three months of dating. In less than three months, he had her self esteem crippled. Then the bruises appeared, covered in hats and long sleeves. Maya withdrew from friends and family.
Virgil beamed every day after that, Unable or unwilling to see Mayas pain. He dressed better and lived for flattery, Her skin and dress, matching her suffering. I challenged him and lost both of them, for a while.
The stuff is our from under the rug. Bits of dirt moving to the surface with every brushstroke. Gentle and careful attention to the big clean up. This is slow and hard work. Dignity, patience, love and understanding
My Maya is free and so at peace, We will take time, Walk together and learn new things. No judgements, just clarity and simplicity, Her freedom has gifted me peace and joy.
Maya figured it out, To beat the narcissist at his game, She chose peace and her authentic, safe self. Her smile and self-love will win everyday. True love and peace will always win!
Short Stories & Poems by WarmBreezeBliss 