KNOCK, KNOCK!

An ordinary Saturday, southern summer day, cloudless, humid, and HOT. With the house turned a frigid fortress against the sweltering, almost breath-defying heat, quiet household chores like dusting furniture and washing the floor stood ready for my attention.

The man of this domain arose in a decent mood this day, and peace prevailed. Ah, this is a positive sign.

Inside, I smiled and set about attacking my tasks, undisturbed, alone in my head, and thinking today will be peaceful, as an inaudible sigh rushed from my lungs.

A sudden and repeated BAM, BAM, BAM, shattered my peaceful and secret bliss. Startled, I ventured to the front door to address the urgent and determined caller. With my hand on the knob, my abuser’s fingers tightly seized mine, and together we greeted our visitor.

A tear-stained face stared into our eyes. “Oh, I’m so sorry to bother you, but Daniel hit me, and I need a place to stay.”

“Come in, come in,” we both chimed, as we shifted to the side to allow Kate to enter.

Kathleen, the only friend my control-freak husband, allowed me to have, eased through the passage, and began to pour out her guts.

Apparently, my lady-friend, who was the live-in partner of my hubby’s co-worker buddy, found herself in an abusive relationship. In need of a temporary sanctuary until her mind wrapped around her circumstances, and created a plan, our casa became her casa.

 

Though this woman and I shared a bond, neither of us spoke about our men to each other. The secrets never passed our lips. What Katie didn’t realize is she knocked on the door of another abuser.

 

The arms of my boss drew her to him, his words resonated with comfort and assurance as he whispered into her ear.

“Stay with us for awhile. Give this some time, and I’ll speak with Dan. Trust me, everything will be all right, and he won’t hit you again. Now, don’t you worry.”

Did I hear this man, the one who tears me apart emotionally, verbally, physically, and sexually dish out kindness/support to another victim of the same abuse he doles out? This is insane! My stomach wanted to heave ghastly chunky chunks all over his deplorable being.

The next few days, I peered at the unbelievable scene before me as the beast who pounded on me, berated me, turned and offered comfort to our temporary guest while urging her to return to her attacker.  This turned into a dance, and the monster became the consoler.

Silent, and engaged in my usual tip-toeing, bend backward for you mode for my controller, the scene captured me, worried me. What will she be returning to? How many times have I been lied to? He won’t hit you again? Yeah, right!

Still, the buried abuses held hush, hush for such a vast expanse of time, remained hidden, during, and after her arrival. To reveal meant to doom me to death, or so the mighty one promised with frequency.

Upon her departure, only words of best wishes and luck were spoken, and I didn’t comprehend the reality, but as she went out the door, the friendship I believed existed, also departed with her.

Within a year, via her not so wonderful ex, ole Danny boy, we learned she scurried away into the night with a new man.

Good for you Katie dear! Wish I possessed the nerve to up and vanish.

Of course, the warden of this prison viewed the event worthy of a formal life-ending punishment. “Off with her head. The dumb bitch doesn’t know how good she had it.”

Oh yeah, I bet the woman is really hurting now. Now that she has escaped her personal hell. Dang! Why can’t I be brave?

 

 

Knock, knock! This time the sound came from a policeman’s fist as he pounded our door for entry.  For the umpteenth time, the glorious men in blue responded to my summons for assistance.  With the situation scrutinized, the heroes piteously gazed into my pupils, and one spoke. “Please understand, we can’t protect you. Gather what you can and go into hiding.”

Wise words, and with the horrible truths unraveled for all to witness again, an insecure, frightened being, me, fled into the dusk of a crisp fall eve toward freedom like I had never known.

Knock, knock!

Who’s there?

Me, a secure, happy survivor, now that the stalking ceased, and Ms. Karma, without me lifting one finger, did her job.

Knock, knock!

Rap all you care oh evil one, against a door, a window, a brick wall, for all your racket falls on deaf ears now.