From Winamop.com
Crunch Time
by Angelica Fuse
My daughter giggles in the other room, and thats fine until she gets too quiet. Then I have to check on her. Thats how I know shes in trouble, thats how I know shes like me. Shell start school next year, go into the wider world.
Rod is downstairs finishing the coffee up. Hell do for now, but just for now.
Today is the day I decide, waiting on the phone call. Do I go back to what Ive always known, whats easy, to the land of Egypt? Or do I step forward into a new life? A runner's life?
Im sorry, the voice tells me in my mind. Youre not right for this. Thats what Im preparing myself for.
I havent told Rod this yet, but this is it. If I get this, Im gone, taking our little girl with me. I finally decided the night he pulled the steak knife on us.
He leaves for work without saying a word. It will be at least an hour before the phone rings, at least an hour before they told me they would call.
Whats you doing? my daughter asks. I didnt even know she had left her room.
Waiting, I tell her.
Were about to be on our own. Its when I hear his truck outside refusing to turn over that I know the day wont go as planned. I know that this is down to the wire, Im burning inside, got to make a decision.
I think about the gleaming row of knives like teeth in the kitchen as he walks back in, cursing at me for ruining his truck even though Ive never driven it.
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