When I walked out of her office an hour later, I felt scared, but also clear-headed for the first time since I’d said I do 2 years ago. My husband refused to look for a new place or pack any of his belongings. He acted like the 30-day notice was just me being dramatic, and I’d change my mind any day now.
He was staying at his friend John’s house, but he kept showing up at random times trying to talk sense into me. On day 12, I was making lunch when I heard a key in the lock. My blood went cold before I remembered I’d changed them. The door handle rattled. Then my husband’s face appeared in the kitchen window. Lily was sitting at the table doing homework.
She froze when she saw him. He tapped on the glass and gestured for me to let him in. I shook my head. He started talking through the window about how teenagers need tough love and structure, and I was doing Lily a disservice by coddling her. His voice was muffled, but I could hear every word. I walked over and physically positioned myself between the window and Lily. I told him to leave immediately.