No Longer Your Shadow

The fading dusk light squeezed through the cracks in the window, casting a few dim yellow rays across the dining table. As usual, I tied on my apron and bustled about the kitchen, preparing dinner for the family. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of the food, yet I never imagined that this seemingly ordinary dinner would become the beginning of a nightmare. "Dinner's ready!" I called out, carrying the last dish to the table and raising my voice. The two children, Diana Carter and Simon Carter, leisurely walked out of their rooms and sank into their seats at the dining table, still playing with their phones and barely responding to my call. I sighed helplessly and turned to serve the meal. Just then, my husband, Reed Carter, came home. He kicked the door open, tossed his briefcase aside, and strode into the dining room. "Why are you home so late? The meal has been ready for a long time." I said softly, trying to keep my tone calm. Reed said nothing, furrowing his brow as he sat at the table, his eyes sweeping over the dishes. Suddenly, his expression darkened. He slammed the table and shouted, "Where are my eggs?" His sudden outburst startled me, and I almost dropped the bowl I was holding. I stammered, "Today... I didn't buy any eggs. I'll make sure to get some next time." "You didn't buy eggs? What are you doing? You didn't even prepare eggs!" Reed Carter's voice grew louder, veins bulging in his neck. A wave of grievance swelled within me as I whispered, "Don't you usually avoid eggs? Besides, you're allergic to them..." "Whether I eat them is my business; whether we have them is yours! Is this how you treat your husband? You can't even fulfill this small request!" Reed Carter refused to listen to my explanation; the more I spoke, the more agitated he became. With a sharp smack, he slammed his chopsticks down onto the table. His unreasonable behavior made me tremble with anger, my eyes slowly filling with tears. I held back my tears, trying to calm him: "Alright, alright, don't be angry. I'll buy more tomorrow, okay?" "No! I must have egg today!" Unyielding, Reed Carter suddenly stood and, with a sweep of his arm, sent all the dishes on the table crashing to the floor with a loud clatter. The plates and bowls shattered into fragments; food was scattered all over the floor, leaving a scene of complete disorder. I stared at him in terror, wholly unprepared for such an act. The two children were equally stunned by the sudden turmoil; they put down their phones and sat there, dazed, watching everything unfold in front of them. "You... what are you doing?" I shouted angrily, my voice trembling slightly. "What am I doing? I should be asking you the same!" Reed Carter hissed maliciously, advancing step by step toward me, "You useless woman, you can't even make a proper meal!" As he spoke, he suddenly raised his hand and, with a sharp slap, struck my face hard. My face burned instantly with pain, and I was knocked to the ground. Lying on the floor, tears streamed uncontrollably down my face. I cannot comprehend how the gentle and considerate husband I once knew has become like this. For this family, I have given everything—rising early and staying up late, managing the household, caring for the children—only to be met with his blows, insults, and disdain. The two children sat not far away, watching coldly, showing no intention of coming over to help. In their eyes, there was not a trace of concern or worry for me, as if everything unfolding before them was utterly irrelevant. My heart felt as though it had been stabbed sharply by a knife, the pain so intense I could barely breathe. "How can you... How can you be like this..." I whispered desperately, looking at the two children.