The Toxic Husband's Perspective

Present Day

Two weeks had passed since the last violent encounter between David and Emma. During this time, David had neither come home nor put in a call to his wife or children. This had become a regular routine: after each incident, he would disappear, leaving Emma to pick up the pieces alone. His abuse wasn't just physical; it was emotional and mental. He insulted her, belittled her, and showed no care or affection. It was as if the sight of her, and everything about her, disgusted him.

David denied Emma love, attention, and even sexual pleasure. He made sure she was isolated, preventing her from seeking comfort elsewhere. Despite his neglect, he did ensure the children were financially supported, but his involvement stopped there. He paid for their needs and wants but showed no interest in their lives.

---

Emma stood in the kitchen, a warm, inviting space that served as the heart of their home. The sunlight streamed through the large window above the sink, casting a golden glow on the white marble countertops. Pots and pans hung neatly on a rack above the stove, and the scent of simmering chicken stew filled the air. The cabinets, painted a soft pastel blue, added a touch of tranquility to the room. Beside Emma, their maid, Mary, chopped vegetables with practiced ease.

Sophia entered, her footsteps light. "Mom, what are you cooking?" she asked, peering into the pots on the stove.

"Just some chicken stew and rice," Emma replied, forcing a smile. "Your favorite."

Sophia smiled back but it didn't reach her eyes. "It smells delicious."

As Sophia leaned against the counter, watching her mother work, the silence between them grew heavy. She hesitated before speaking again. "Mom, has Dad called or anything?"

Emma's hands stilled for a moment before she resumed stirring the pot. "No, sweetie. He hasn't."

Sophia frowned, her young face showing a maturity beyond her years. "Why does he always do this? Why is he so mean to you?"

Emma sighed deeply, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "It's complicated, Sophia."

"Was he always like this?" Sophia asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Emma turned to face her daughter, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and longing. "Your dad wasn't always like this. He was a good man, caring and loving. When he was in college, he was a source of strength to his parents. Even though they have passed away now, back then, he was their rock."

"But you still hope he'll change?" Sophia asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Emma nodded slowly. "I do. I have to believe that the man I loved is still in there somewhere."

Sophia's eyes filled with tears. "But how long are you going to keep enduring this torture, Mom?"

Emma's heart ached at her daughter's pain. She pulled Sophia into a gentle hug, stroking her hair. "I don't know, sweetie. I really don't know. But for now, we just have to stay strong for each other."

Sophia hugged her mother tightly, seeking comfort in her embrace. "I just want us to be happy."

Emma held her daughter close, her resolve hardening. "We will be, Sophia. One way or another, we will be."

---

The conversation left both mother and daughter feeling a mix of hope and despair. As they finished preparing lunch, the bond between them grew stronger, fortified by their shared struggle. And though the future remained uncertain, they knew they could face it together.

Flashback:

David's father, Thomas, was a factory worker who earned low wages. He was married to Margaret, a kind and gentle woman. Together, they raised their two sons, Daniel and David , in a small, modest home. Despite their financial struggles, Thomas and Margaret instilled strong Christian values in their children, teaching them the importance of honesty, integrity,kindness and diligence. David embraced his parents' teachings, growing up to be a diligent and respectful young man. His elder brother, Daniel , however, took a different path. Unable to afford college fees, Daniel joined bad gangs and engaged in illegal activities, causing his parents much concern. Daniel's brushes with the law were frequent; he had been arrested for petty crimes like theft and house burglary.In contrast, David excelled in his studies. He was one of the brightest students in college, always eager to learn and prove himself. His dedication and intelligence made him a standout among his peers.

One day, during a particularly challenging lecture, the professor posed a complex question to the class; " Who can tell me how calcium channel blockers can be used to manage hypertension?",The professor asked. There was a moment of silence before David confidently raised his hand and said. "Calcium channel blockers work primarily by blocking calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels. By doing so, they reduce the entry of calcium into smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels,This results in relaxation of the smooth muscles in the arterial walls, leading to vasodilation.This dilation reduces peripheral resistance, which is the primary determinant of blood pressure. This also leads to decreased contractility of the heart muscle, which reduces the force of the heart's contractions. This helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload of the heart. By dilating the arteries and reducing the force of the heart's contractions, calcium channel blockers help to lower blood pressure. This effect is particularly beneficial in patients with hypertension, as it helps to reduce the risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease" David answered, providing a detailed, insightful answer that impressed both the professor and his classmates.

After the lecture, as David was packing his books, Emma approached him. "Hey, David," she said, her tone softer than usual. "That was an impressive answer you gave in class today."David smiled modestly. "Thank you, Emma. I just did my best."Emma looked at him thoughtfully. "I've been struggling with some of the material. If you don't mind, could you help me with some tutorials after school?"David's eyes lit up. "Of course, I'd be happy to help."Emma hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Also, I'm sorry for giving you the cold shoulder the first time we talked. I shouldn't have been so dismissive."David shook his head. "It's okay, Emma. I'm just glad we can move past it