Happy, perfect life and family. That was my husband Seokjin, my son Chan, and me (y/n), the beloved mother and wife. Jin had worked his way up the business ladder to a top position was was bringing in more money than we knew what to do with. I had a job while we were dating and in the beginning of our marriage, but Jin insisted that with his higher income, there was no need for me to work and that I should stay home and take care of our Chan. I hated my job anyway, so of course I took him up on that offer. I've been home with Chan everyday of his life since he was a baby. And I loved being an at-home-mom, or a housewife as some people call it. Some of my girlfriends and my mom and sister always ask why. They told me that I shouldn't have to do what Jin says and that he just believes in the traditional ways that the man provides for the family while the woman cooks, cleans and takes care of the kids. They said that times have changed and I should be more independent. I understand what they're saying, but I can't. I love Jin with all my heart, and I would do anything for him, just like I want to believe he would do the same for me. Sometimes, though, I have my doubts. Why would you hurt someone you love? Why would you hurt someone you're married to? When Jin is at work and Chan is at school, I sit and wonder what I did wrong. What did I do to deserve this? What makes Jin so angry that he has to hurt me? "Oh, this? I ran into the door frame." "Oh, this? I accidentally cut myself on some broken glass." "Oh, this? I had a bad dream and rolled off the bed last night. Landed right on my face. Isn't that funny? What? No, I'm fine." I'm fine. Am I though? Of course, that's what I tell people. But why can't I just tell them the truth? Because I always think it will be fine. "Oh my god, (y/n), I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to. I just go so mad, please forgive me. It will never happen again." Again, and again it happened. "Mom, why was dad yelling? W-why are you crying? Where is that blood coming from?" "Chan sweetie, go to your room, I'm fine. I just bit my lip." The blood was coming from my lip, but it wasn't because I bit it. "Welcome home honey." I kissed Jin as he walked in the door. "What's for dinner? It smells great." "It's your favorite. Go was up then come sit at the table." Chan and I sat at the table waiting for Seokjin to come down. "I heard dad yelling at you again last night." He said. "I'm sorry, did we wake you?" "Not you, dad did." "I'm sorry." "Stop apologizing mom, start defending yourself. Yell back!" I sighed. "Chan, you're too young to understand-" "I'm 16! I think I know what's going on. That bruise right there on your wrist, that's from dad, isn't it?" Chan was on the verge of tears and I heard Seokjin coming downstairs. "Be quiet." I whispered. Halfway through dinner, Jin held his cup up. "(Y/n), can you get me some more water?" "Sure." I quickly stood up to grab his cup. "Get your own water." Chan said. Seokjin looked surprised. "What did you say?" Chan stood up and looked his father directly in the eye. "I said get your own water." Jin scoffed. "What's gotten into you? You rotten child. (Y/n), are you getting my water or not?!" I flinched and grabbed the cup, but Chan took it away. "Stop ordering my mom around like she's a slave and get your own damn water!" Jin smacked the table making me flinch hard. "See?! Mom is scared of you! Don't you see that?!" "What the hell are you talking about?!" "I know what you do to her. I know that you hit her! You don't do it around me or anyone because you wanted everyone to see what a perfect guy you are, but you're just a sick bastard!" "Chan." I said. "No! I know you've been wanting to say that! But this man has you brainwashed, saying that he loves you but he doesn't!" Jin snapped. He stomped over to Chan, Chan's eyes wide, and smacked him right across the face. "Chan!" I yelled. I went over and held his face. Jin grabbed my wrists and slammed me into the wall. "Go get my water or I'll do the same to you." The creepiest, lowest voice came out. I looked over at Chan who had tears falling, but gave the meanest glare to Jin. I looked back at Jin and pushed him off. "N-No." I said. He started laughing. "Look at you, you can't even speak clearly. Now just do as I say." "No!" I yelled. His face turned into the meanest frown he's even done. "I'll count to 3." "I don't care! I've let you get away with hitting me for a long time, but I'm not gonna let you get away with hitting my child!" I yelled. He suddenly backhanded me across the face and I sobbed, holding my cheek. Chan ran over and punched Jin in the face and grabbed my hand. He grabbed my keys on the way out the front door. He put me in the passenger seat as Jin was running out of the house. Chan quickly closed the door and ran over to the driver's side. He closed and locked the door just in time. Jin started banging on the window. "Open the door right now!" He yelled. Chan ignored him and started the car and pulled out the driveway. He started driving and Jin's running figure started to vanish. I cried silently. "It's okay mom, we're leaving him for good. He can't hurt you anymore." He said, his voice cracking. He drove us all the way to my mom's house and she gasped when she saw the state we were in. Chan told her everything since I was too weak to talk. That has to be the best decision I've ever made, no, that Chan made. Since then, we were able to live in peace, the two of us. "Please, I'm sorry. I know that what I did was wrong, but I promise I won't ever do it again." "I'm done here." The police took him out of the room after I allowed him to say one last thing to me. "I'll get you!" Those were his last words to me. Since then, we divorced and moved closer to my mom. I wasn't scared anymore. Chan wasn't worrying anymore. Everything was okay, and I could finally say, "I'm fine" without feeling guilty.
