I avoided my friends and people. I did not want anyone to suspect anything, although desperately hoping things would return back to normal.

“Charity, let’s have a toast in honour of your pregnancy,” Lebo said.

“It would be nice for you to be with friends,” Gertrude said, smiling

Lebo and Gertrude were my best friends at work.

“Okay, after work girls,” I told them.

After work Lebo had already arranged a cab. I should at least let Chido know that I’ll be coming home a little later. As we drove in the

cab, I began to text him.

will be home late. U can have the leftover stew and spaghetti.”
who eats leftovers? I want my wife home.
Please baby I can’t cancel. Meet you soon.” I quickly responded.

He never responded. In my mind, I thought that meant he was okay with my outing. Lebo and Gertrude had Champaign and I had guava juice. We had a great time, I haven’t laughed like that in months. We had steak and ribs for dinner, I did not think of my husband one single bit.

At 9 pm we left. We laughed and joked all the way home. I was hoping to find Chido fast asleep. Since it was a Friday night, I thought that tomorrow I will give him a treat.

I arrived home to a dark house, all the lights were off. I walked in silently and went straight to the bedroom. I light the lamp and nearly had the shock of my life as Chido was sitting wide awake in the dark.

“What did I say about hanging out till this time?” He asked furiously.

“I didn’t check the time. I am so sorry my love.” I answered while taking my earrings off.

Before I could put them on the table, Chido had his hands on my neck. He was
choking me. I was hopeless gasping for air, I felt like I was dying. I tried to fight
back but I am too weak.

“C… c…. .ch… .Chido, I… can’t breathe.” I tried to speak.
He threw me on the bed and released his giant hands from my neck.

“Cook me food now please.” He demanded.

I stood up and went straight to cook. This marriage is not doing me well. I can’t do this. I cooked him fresh rice and stew.

I put the plate on the tray after dishing up. He ate sitting on the bed and I went to sleep. I didn’t want to look at him so I faced the other side.