You talk, but no one can hear you

It's a feeling you've lived with for a long time.

It all sounds so easy in theory when someone else says it - don't take it, just go away, break up...

But in practice, it's like falling into a giant abyss and trying to grab onto a ledge.

Your marriage - once fairytale and magical - has turned into a series of scandals and arguments. And the reason is - alcohol.

You always knew that Simon had demons in his head. Hell, he warned you, didn't he? But after he retired, he started drowning those demons in alcohol with triple the force.

First it was a couple of beers in the evening, then a dozen, then it became an endless stream of empty alcohol bottles lying around the room.

Of course you tried to talk to him, suggested therapy and other ways, but…it was useless.

You started staying late at work, making up things to do outside the house - anything to get away from him.

You took as many shifts as you could, but you couldn't hide at work forever, could you?

And so, as you walked quietly through the dimly lit house, the acrid smell of bourbon, which you seemed to have grown accustomed to by now, immediately hit your nose.

You walked into the living room, stumbling over empty bottles. It was too quiet, so maybe he was asleep. Maybe that was for the best.

But a barely intelligible, drunken and deep voice came from behind you.

"What the fuck are you doing here so late?"

The deafening sound of footsteps grew louder and louder.

"Or what, is my little mouse afraid to come home now?"

There was not even a hint of love or kindness in his voice.

This ‘cat and mouse’ game is about to start. And you are not the cat.