Marina stood in the doorway, coat still on, her body heavy with the burden of another exhausting day. The weight of the world seemed to press down on her as she entered the apartment, hoping for a moment of peace. But as soon as she stepped inside, Viktor’s voice came from the depths of the apartment, hoarse and demanding.
“Where’s my dinner?” he barked, his words like a slap in the face.
She froze, biting back the frustration that bubbled up inside. The day had been a relentless series of challenges. The boss had thrown an impossible amount of reports her way, the bus had broken down, and then there had been the cold autumn rain, soaking through her coat as she walked the last few stops. And now, Viktor. Always Viktor.
“I just got off work, Vitya,” Marina replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “Let me change and catch my breath.”
Viktor didn’t have the patience for excuses. He was already up from the couch, where he had been watching TV all day. His eyes were glazed with irritation, and the alcohol on his breath was unmistakable.
“I asked, where’s my dinner?” he demanded again, stepping closer. “I’m starving. And here you are, making excuses!”
Marina’s heart sank. There was nothing in the fridge, nothing to offer him, and she had no time to go to the store. The kitchen was a mess, the sink piled high with dirty dishes that Viktor had left for her to deal with.
“I’m sorry, Vitya. There’s nothing in the fridge. Let me run to the store,” she said, hoping he would understand.
“Again?” he sneered, his voice rising. “More of your excuses? I’ve been sitting here all day, and you couldn’t even be bothered to buy groceries? What kind of wife are you?”
His words struck like a blow, but Marina stayed silent. What could she say? She wasn’t the one who had been sitting at home all day, doing nothing.
She stepped back slightly, trying to put some distance between them. “You could go to the store yourself, Vitya,” she said, her voice trembling with the effort to stay calm.
That was the breaking point.
Without warning, Viktor grabbed her by the shoulders, his fingers digging into her skin as he shook her. “What did you say to me?” he hissed, his spit landing on her cheek. “I’m starving, and you’re giving me orders?”
Marina’s breath caught in her throat as he pulled her toward him. But this time, she wouldn’t back down.
“If you touch me again, I’ll tell my brother everything!” she said, her voice cold and defiant. “And the last thing you’ll see, darling, will be the trunk of his car!”
For a moment, Viktor froze. His eyes widened with fear, a flash of doubt crossing his face. Stas, Marina’s brother, had made it clear that he was watching Viktor closely. After that incident at the bar, Viktor knew there were no more warnings left.
“You… You wouldn’t dare,” he mumbled, though his voice lacked the conviction it had moments ago.
“Think so?” Marina replied sharply. “Stas is already keeping an eye on you. He’s asked about you more than once. You’d better be careful.”
Viktor stepped back, his hands trembling. Marina could see the wheels turning in his mind, but she knew there was no turning back now. She had pushed him to the edge, and there was no telling what he might do next.
With a heavy sigh, Marina walked past him into the bedroom, her knees shaking. She needed to get away, to think, to figure out what her next step would be. But she couldn’t ignore the fear that had taken root deep inside her. Viktor was becoming more unpredictable by the day.
As she sat on the bed, her fingers hovered over her phone. Should she call Stas now? Or was it too soon? If Viktor touched her again… Marina knew she would have to act. She couldn’t keep living like this.
A crash of breaking dishes sounded from the kitchen, followed by Viktor’s angry muttering. He was taking out his frustration on the plates again. Marina closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. This was just the beginning. If Viktor didn’t find work soon, things would only get worse.