My life had always unfolded amidst the bustling rhythm of London, the grand capital, while my husband had barely glimpsed anything beyond his quaint village in the countryside.
We first met when, some years ago, he decided to journey to the city, hoping to earn some pounds and experience a bit more of the world. I noticed straightaway his reserved manner and tendency to stay indoors; he felt most comfortable at home.
My husband came from a large family of five children, and being the eldest, his parents encouraged him to seek work in London. I was grateful their advice brought us together, yet from the very first encounter, it was clear how different we were.
At our wedding, his youngest sister tried to embarrass me, evidently unimpressed. Later, I heard rumours that drinking was a favourite pastime among them all.
The rest of the siblings seemed indolent, unfamiliar with the concept of hard work. Responsibility for their parents fell entirely to my husband. Yet when it came time for his parents to settle their estate, they decided to leave everything to the youngest soneven though hed never lifted a finger for them. Strangely, none of the other children received a thing.
My husband and I discussed this troubling matter and agreed that he should at least ask his mother and father for a portion of the house, as jobs can be uncertain. Only a few months later, he began gazing at me with suspicion, avoiding me altogether. It became clear that someone had spoken ill of me, though I couldn’t determine what had been said.
Before long, my husband began drinking regularly. In his drunken moments, he’d start quarrels, declaring he would save for a flat of his own to escape dependence. After our wedding, we lived with my family.
I disliked how my husband changed, especially with his job hanging in the balance. I didn’t have enough saved to support us both. To make matters worse, I was saddled with repaying his family’s debts for reasons I couldn’t understand. Thoughts of divorce began creeping in, as his entire family seemed hostile, holding nothing but resentment for me. What, truly, kept me bound to him?
Let him return to his village if he prefers their company and the gossip they spread.
