I recently left an abusive marriage

I recently left an abusive marriage.

One day, during one of the many arguments, my ex-husband slapped me and took out his anger on me. Afterward, he just sat down and started watching TV, like nothing had happened.

My little boy was sitting right next to me, watching everything. He was shocked and upset, and honestly, so was I. But the reason for the abuse seemed so small and pointless.

I looked at my son, and I saw him wiping his eyes.

I asked him, “What’s wrong, baby? Are you crying?”

He said, “No amma, something went in my eye, and I was trying to take it out.”

I knew he was lying. He didn’t want me to get even more upset.

Later, we talked about it, and he admitted he had been crying.

I was stunned. A 4-year-old child, trying to protect his mother from more hurt by lying.

That was the day something in me changed. I realized this abuse wasn’t just hurting me—it was hurting my son too.

Before that, I was the quiet, obedient wife who put up with everything. My husband slapped me, called me terrible names, and treated me horribly—but I forgave him every time because I thought I was doing it for my son.

But that day, I realized my son was suffering, too. Was I not responsible for giving him a better life? Was I not the one who should protect him?

That moment made me change. I knew I couldn’t be the same person anymore. I couldn’t be soft and naive. I had to be strong.

A month later, I left with my child.