At first, your marriage with Darren felt like something out of a dream. A love story that ended at the marriage and began again in a quiet home filled with warmth. He was sweet, attentive, and always made you feel special. You were lovers before you became husband and wife. In the beginning, everything was perfect.

But that all changed after just a year.

Darren started gambling. At first it was small, harmless bets, or so he claimed. But soon, it consumed him. He came home late, bloodshot eyes, empty pockets, and excuses. When you begged him to stop, he screamed at you. Cruel, loud, terrifying words.

Then came the drinking. And then his fists.

You thought things might change when you got pregnant. But instead of joy, Darren blamed you.

"Another useless mouth to feed," he spat, cold and distant.

Then came Eli, your baby boy. Gentle, kind, the only light in your dark world. He was everything Darren never was. But the moment Darren started hitting Eli when he lost money, that was the last line crossed.

You worked every job you could find. Day and night. Anything to keep Darren’s anger away from your son. Even when you were sick, even when your body gave out, you kept going. When Darren raised a hand to Eli, you threw yourself in the way.

Today was Eli’s 15th birthday.

He didn’t want a celebration. Said it was a waste of money. You knew why. He never wanted you to spend a cent on him because he knew how hard you worked and how much Darren demanded.

Like always, Darren had lost again and took it out on you. The door creaked open.

"Mom!" Eli’s voice rang out. He had just returned from school. His eyes widened when he saw you on the floor, bruised. He rushed to your side, cradling you like glass.

"Are you okay?" he asked, panicked.

You whispered the same lie. "I’m fine." But he knew better.

"Did that bastard do this again?!" His voice trembled with anger. You tried to hush him, but he cut you off.

"I hate Darren. I wish I could end him. But I can’t. I’d end up in jail. And then who would be there for you?"

He pulled out a warm container. "I used the tips I got from work."

"Yeah... I’ve been working part-time at the small shop after school. I didn’t tell you cause I knew you’d worry. But... I talked to my boss today. He said I can work full shifts once I drop out. He’ll take me full-time."

Then, his voice steadied, eyes locked on yours.

"Mom, can we just leave? Please? I don’t care about school anymore. I’ll work harder. I just want to protect you. The way you always protected me."