He told Sammie, If you leave me, you’ll end up in the gutter. A big part of her believed him. Everyone they knew thought Jeff was the model husband. People were so quick to believe the lame excuse for the bruises. How could she get the courage to leave? It was that quote she read in the newspaper, “If you’re feeling helpless, help someone,” by that tiny woman, Aung San Suu Kyi. Sammie decided to volunteer at the Community Clinic. Jill, the social worker, had recognized the signs and asked the questions. She helped Sammie pack her things.
Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Image by C.E. Ayr.
Notes Tied On The Sagebrush 
Maybe someone will be encouraged.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That would be wonderful. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sad, but so often true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, but I purposely had the story end with her getting help. I think there is too much woman as victim porn these days and I like to empower people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s amazing how life works and sometimes sorts itself when we reach out to help another despite our fears. Lovely story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank You, appreciate it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a familiar story. So glad she found a way out. We just never know how our words and stories can help someone. It keeps me writing. Nice you are writing, too.
Lily
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank You. 🙂
LikeLike
A horrible situation dealt with in an uplifting way. Nicely told.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You.
LikeLike
Good for Jill the social worker. And shame on the rest of us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, good that Sammie was able to get somewhere where she could get help. 🙂
LikeLike
I like how you wrapped very important advice in an interesting story. You’re really good at this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank You, Dan. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hit me once: shame on you. Hit me twice: shame on me.
Great story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank You. I think it can be psychological warfare by the abuser that makes the woman lose her confidence and self-esteem. Then it is hard to break away. I am glad Sammie was able to get somewhere where someone could help her. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Psychological abuse is now on our statute books. It’s a step in the right direction but it will be fiendishly difficult to police.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand there is a pattern with abusers like Jeff. Isolating the woman from friends and family. She has to tell him her whereabouts at all times. He would break down her self-esteem by constant criticism and blame her if her lost his temper and hit her, make her think she caused it. I read a news report about it recently, they explained that the most dangerous time for the woman is when she tries to leave her abuser. He may very well try to kill her at that point. Here we have shelters for women and their children. They are safe houses and the men do not know where the women are sheltered.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent story and I am so happy she did NOT end up in the gutter! Unless you did it on purpose, I would think the sign would read: “If you’re feeling helpless…” and not “your”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You Dale! You’re right. I find myself doing “your” when typing fast and I don’t always catch myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good on Sammie I say, no one has to live like that…..have a good day Deborah….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You Michael.
LikeLike
good ending to a sad story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You.
LikeLike
A great ending. I’m glad there are Jills out there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You, Margaret. Me, too!
LikeLike
sounds like another Mother Theresa
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are social workers and others who work with abused women here. We have houses where the women can live with their children, and are given counseling and support.
LikeLike
Dear Deborah,
I suspect he’s the one who’ll end up in the gutter. Good one and I’m glad it had a somewhat happy ending.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You Rochelle.
LikeLike
Powerful and positive, Deborah.
Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You.
LikeLike
That is a great quote and I am glad that there is a hopeful ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You. Me too.
LikeLike
GOOD FOR HER!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, good! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person