Elsie, mortified and shaken, flinched when Oscar rolled one of her breasts in the hand that had assaulted her. She flinched again when he pulled himself free from the orifice he’d so violently claimed. And even when he patted her belly as if she was a mare he’d put out to stud. He’d given back her name, but no affection to go along with it. He rattled on about horses and rails and things that made the act he’d committed against her seem like just another day in their life.<br/><br/>She lifted her legs, wanting to curl up into herself. Panic rose in her chest, but she remained silent. He was dressing the wireframe and ignorant to how he’d broken her. Or absolutely aware and completely uncaring. Elsie remained at the foot of the bed, her slight trembling taking on a more obvious quake throughout her body.<br/><br/>Oscar returned to bed, naked and victorious, and slid under the soft covers as if all was right in his world. Elsie still didn’t move. Her thin frame, tender and aching from his demonstration of control, protested in the places he’d whipped and invaded. Tomorrow would be worse and while she knew that and dreaded it, she also looked forward to this horrifying night to be over. Maybe it would be better tomorrow. Maybe Oscar wouldn’t be so angry and he’d apologize for losing himself. She told her these things to ease the fear of the unknown.<br/><br/>Elsie finally moved, slipping off the end of bed to the floor. Her legs were trembling, useless things and she only wanted to leave. The belt slid free from her wrists that shaded matching red ceases with her throat. She had rooms for her own use - that she was never allowed to sleep in. The thought of angering Oscar further was not something she’d entertain.<br/><br/>Slowly, as if even moving too fast would instigate more, Elsie picked herself up. Tears streaked her reddened cheeks as she searched for a nightgown in the moonlight, feeling used and betrayed. The white fabric caressed her skin like Oscar never had and was a welcoming comfort. Gingerly, not daring to disturb her husband, she slid into the bed and hugged the edge as of her life depended on it.<br/><br/>Sleep never came.