Friends

Written for https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2022/08/23/photo-challenge-428/

Sitting, alone on the bench, she stared at the ground, not sure of what she was going to do. He was always worse when he went out with his friends. A little too much to drink, and his fists matched his mood.

If she wasn’t home, when he got in, there would still be something wrong.

Her marriage, and she needed to do more to make it work. Her parent’s thought she was happy, her home always smelling of flowers. Her new kitchen, every new appliance, but it always took longer to clean.

‘Are you okay?’

A stranger, sat beside her.

Wearing a top covered in daisies, she stood out from the crowd.

‘Yea, I’m going home in a minute, cook my husband’s tea.’

‘If you don’t mind me saying, something seems to be troubling you. I’m a good listener.’

‘My husband, he’s been out drinking, and I’m scared to go home.’

‘What do you want to do? What would make you feel safe?’

‘Staying here, for now.’