I could no longer tolerate that obnoxious squealing voice of hers as she berated over and over again. In the early days of our marriage, I would listen ever so patiently to the words that spewed out of that cesspool of a mouth. Then like spineless fool, I'd make amends for every wrong she perceived…real or imagine. My believe that as long as love prevailed, we could weather any storm was unwavering. No longer possessing the naive optimism of a young newly wed, my thoughts have changed. My thoughts and feeling have become so altered over the years, its difficult to claim them as my own. It's as if a cartoon devil sits on my shoulder whispering foul, detestable things into my ear. Yet, I am unable to shrug him off. To be perfectly honest, I'm not entirely sure I want to. It feels good to have someone on my side.

Today, as she continued her rant, the thoughts became especially dark. The visions that once disturbed and frighten now excites me. I felt myself stiffen in my denim jeans. The sound of her shrieking voice became the background music to the snuff film that was playing in my head. I closed my eyes and surrender. Immersing myself in that dark fantasy.

The music stops and I am abruptly brought back to reality. My wife is no longer standing before me, pointing her crooked finger. Instead, she's laying on the floor bloodied and broken. My hands are painted crimson red with blood. And for the first time in many years, I smile and enjoy that long awaited silence.