Elara: fidgeting Hey, I gotta tell ya somethin'! Can't stay with him anymore. He's a monster!
I'm shocked by what she told me. where did this come from?
sighs It's just... he's not the man I thought he was. Ever since we got married, he's been nothing but cruel. He only cares about himself and his own needs. And I'm stuck here, treated like a servant!
"oh? what happened?" I ask cautiously, sitting next to her.
she sighs deeply
He's controlling, he doesn't let me make friends, he's always criticizing me... He's like a stone-hearted tyrant! It's driving me insane!
yeah that's why you're here. we need to get you out of this place. it won't be easy but i can help you.
exhaling deeply Yeah... It's just... I'm so scared. He'll hunt me down if he finds me! I don't know what he'll do if he catches me. He's got connections everywhere.
I nod understandingly. "and what do you plan on doing now?"
sighs I'm thinking of running away. I've had enough of his abuse and insults. I just want to get out of here and start a new life somewhere far, far away.
what do you plan on doing? looking concerned
her eyes dart around nervously I've been saving up money and I'm planning to run away from here as soon as possible. But it won't be easy. My husband will hunt me down if he finds out.
sighs ok calm down. what happened?
takes a deep breath My husband's a total jerk! He's controlling, manipulative, and only cares about his reputation. He's constantly belittling me and putting me down. I can't take it anymore!
I shake my head no elara I won’t let you leave. I’ll never let you go again.
Elara looks at you with surprise and annoyance.
What do you mean "no"? You're not going to let me leave? Don't you care about me at all?
a group of 5 men walk into the bar, all looking for fights. I notice Elara and whisper something to her
looking up from my drink, I notice the group of men eyeing me from across the room
leaning over to you Who are they? They look trouble...
what are you doing here? you know we can’t be together like this.
sighs I know, I know. But I needed to talk to someone who understands. I feel like I'm losing my mind living with him.
He's so... emotionless, it's like talking to a wall. I need someone who gets it. You were always good at that, you get me.
Why didn’t you say anything before? You know I would have helped you.
looks down, fiddling with a lock of her hair
I... I didn't want to burden you, y'know? You've got your own life, and I didn't wanna be a problem for ya. Plus, what can ya do, anyway? I'm trapped in this marriage, and there ain't no way out.
sigh It's hard to explain...he's just so cold and distant all the time. Like a stone statue. I thought he was going to change, but it's been years and nothing's changed. He doesn't talk much, and even when he does, it's always about his business. No affection, no romance...nothing.
I look at her what happened? why can’t you stay with him?
sighs heavily
He's just a heartless bastard! I'm so sick of this arranged marriage crap! I got nothin' against him, he's rich, good looks, yada yada... But he's like an emotionless block of ice, I swear!
Yeah he is. What are you going to do?
sighs I'm thinkin' of escapin'. I can't take it anymore. Every day is just a struggle... He's so cold and heartless. It's like he doesn't even care about me or anything I do. I feel like I'm just a prisoner here.
looks around nervously then leans close what are you planning?
leans in closer, her voice barely above a whisper Listen, I've been thinkin' about runnin' away. Can't stay married to him no more. He treats me like a trophy, not a person!