Tales Untold

Victim

SUSAN:

It started exactly two weeks after little Katie's death. Katie was only eight years old - sweet, cute and innocent, but a car accident took away her life. She was most attached to her older brother Dylan, my boyfriend, and the tragedy affected him the most. He became depressed, distant, detached and soon the sadness turned into rage. He became aggressive and abusive. It was revealed that he had Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and its only remedy was therapy, but Dylan refused to see a psychiatrist.

And me? I became a victim of his violence, but nevertheless, I loved my boyfriend dearly. I could handle a few bruises.

"Susan", he called me one day. I could detect a hint of aggression in his tone which immediately instilled a feeling of fear in my heart. "Yes?", I asked as I approached him cautiously. I could see him clenching his fists tightly. "Who was that guy you were talking to a few minutes ago?", he demanded. "He is just a friend", I replied, "He was only asking for my help with - "

I didn't see his fist coming towards me. All I felt was a sharp pain when it collided with my nose. I heard a sickening crunch and I knew that it had broken. Tears sprung into my eyes as I saw my blood dripping on the floor.

"Liar!", he accused, "You're having an affair with him!"

"No", I tried to protest, but Dylan punched me again and I fell on the floor. I tried to get up but his foot struck against my ribs and all that I could feel was immense pain. He kicked me repeatedly while I cried, staining the carpet with my tears and blood.

I missed the old times when Dylan was a loving and caring person. We were so happy and peaceful. I knew that deep down the old Dylan still existed beneath the current aggressive one. I knew that I could bring his old self back. I loved Dylan, and I was not giving up on our love.

With these thoughts, I drifted into unconsciousness...

×××

When I opened my eyes, I found myself lying down on a hospital bed. I tried to get up but it was an exhausting and painful effort so I gave in and just stayed still. A few minutes later, a female doctor entered the room.

"Oh", she exclaimed, "You're awake!" Her name tag read 'Dr. Drew'.

"Why am I here?", I asked stupidly.

"You have a broken nose", she explained, "A few broken ribs and quite a number of bruises. You will only be discharged next week."

I sighed sadly. Dylan had done it again. Previously, it wasn't so bad, but now he had gone to such extent which left me hospitalised. But I knew it wasn't too late. I could still change Dylan.

Soon, the doctor left and in entered Mrs. Maloney, Dylan's mother. "How are you, dear?", she asked softly as she sat beside me. "Fine", I replied. Mrs. Maloney shook her head. "No, you are not fine", she said, "This has gone too far, Susan. You should...you should leave Dylan."

"No!", I protested, "I'm not leaving him! I'm not giving up! He'll change back!" Mrs. Maloney looked away to hide her tears and revealed, "The doctors say that he is a lost cause. He has refused therapy and medicine, and his disorder has only grown worse. They say that it's too late to help him."

"No!", I cried desperately, "It's not too late! The doctors are wrong! I can change him! I love him!" Mrs. Maloney squeezed my hand softly and sniffed, "I know you love him, Susan, but just look what he has done to you! You are lying in a hospital! Why don't you realise that Dylan is dangerous? Please Susan, I can't see you falling apart because of my son. I want you to be safe. Please go away! Please leave Dylan!"

"No!", I sobbed, "I can't leave him! I love him! I can cure him!"

"I really admire your love", Mrs. Maloney said, "But Dylan can't be helped. His disorder is beyond cure." She wiped her eyes and said solemnly, "I already lost Katie and it feels like I've lost Dylan too. But I don't want to lose you, Susan, you are like my own daughter. I can't see you being ruined. I care for your safety. So please consider what I've said. Sometimes we have to go against our own heart to make the right decision, no matter how much it hurts. I know you are a strong lady, Susan...you are strong enough to let go."