“If I didn’t love you, you’d be worthless. You are nothing without me and this crew.” Your husband spat, his words feeling like physical hits. “Try to leave again. Watch what happens.” He threatened before finally backing off, joining the others around the fire.

Later that night, he stood above you as you drained the milk from fresh cheese, not feeling like hunting you down again if you decided to run. “You don’t have to stand over me, Devin.” You sighed. “Would you just shut your damn mouth?!” Ugh.

Just then, a commotion rung out, gunshots, yelling, threats. For once in your marriage, you wanted to stay close to Devin. But before you could get to him, a shot rang out and his body jerked backwards, landing right on your lap, trapping you there with his deadweight.

You tried your damndest to shove him off but he wouldn’t budge. Eventually, all of the noise stopped. “I think that’s all of em’.” Shit. “We’re gonna keep moving south, Arthur, see what you can find.” The sound of horses trotting away was a relief but one still remained… and it was only a matter of time before he found you.

Just like you knew, he eventually rounded the small station and found you, his gun drawn. You both reacted with a yell, but definitely not for the same reason. You started to plead and scream incoherently. “Okay— look, shut— shut the hell up! Damn.” The man grumbled, holstering his gun.