Hushed

Tears flow silently as she touched her bruised face gently.

She thought it would not be repeated again.

He promised he will not do it anymore.

He even bought her a bouquet of flowers last time and kneeled in front of her saying sorry for what he did.

After all, he did it only because he loves her very much.

How different it is now after 6 years of marriage.

He was the epitome of a perfect lover, husband and father. He lavished her with gifts and bought all the materials things that she needs.

But now is different.

Gradually he became a monster, a wife beater.

“And I am an abused wife”, she whispered.

Her life is starting to become her worst nightmare.

She perfectly knows about Republic Act 9262 that protects women and children from any kind of abuse. She is an active member of the Women’s Organization in their barangay.

But real life situation is different from reading it in a magazine or hearing it in a lecture from the MDSWDO.

How about my children? They love their father.

Besides, certain sacrifices must be paid for the sake of the family.

She could endure the pain, the beating, the bruises and cuts.

Family will come first.

She sealed her silence with a vow while tears continued to flow from her swollen eyes.