I was eighteen years old.
My father would hit me and ask me,
“Will you talk back to your husband like this?”
“Will my husband hit me and treat me like this? I asked him.
“He’s going to beat you into pieces.
And if you come running to me,
I’ll send you back to him,” he replied.
I’ve never been able to forget what he said,
Or to forgive him.
I’ve lived my entire life trying to make sure that this never happens.