Housewife Gone Wild

Chapter 18

Hearing the men discuss their careers today, I realized with sudden clarity–I deserved that same confidence, that equal seat at the table.

Jared called again as soon as I got home. I answered while sinking into the couch.

“Why weren’t you answering your phone?” Jared’s suspicion bled through the line.

“Must’ve been on silent. What’s up?” The lie came automatically now.

“Who were you out with? Yvonne said you went out again.” He might as well have been taking attendance.

“Just some college friends,” I said lightly. “They’re all doing well here. Thought I’d reconnect before starting work.”

He seemed to turn my answer over in his head before responding. “You’ve changed lately. What’s going on?”

“Changed how?” I toyed with my hair, suddenly recalling my younger self–the one who wanted to burn bright, not fade into someone’s background.

“You’re dressing differently these days,” Jared said, proving he noticed every detail about me.

I look good?” I asked with a playful

look fine. Just not… dignified enough.” He was

laugh. “Those wedding vows about loving me unconditionally–were those

“I never said it was

I’m tired.” I had zero

Goodbye,” he said

perfectly composed, the genteel husband who never

they were given. Coldness turned them

joy, always smiling, always bright. That changed when I married Jared. The real smiles disappeared, replaced by careful words and actions tailored to

gruel,” Wendy offered

breath. This was the day I’d stop playing a role and start

slept deeply that night until the

same helpless terror and crushing despair. I woke gasping,

with sweat.

my palms against

me I was

rang as I was having breakfast.