The Woman in the Cabin

by Becca Day

To be honest, I should probably be doing something else with my final hours.

So macambre...to think of your last hours like this

Whether I die tonight or not, this letter will be my legacy. Potentially someone’s saviour. My final act of rebellion.

Yessss what you aren't able to say in life she can articulate in death..vegence!

Though, in all honesty, I have enough to be getting on with here that even if we did have a TV, it would probably end up just becoming another thing to dust.

Lowkey isolating her from the world and even w the lack of tv and outside interaction

the homemaker.

Ugh no

Have dinner ready – This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Clear away the clutter – Your husband will feel that he has reached his haven of rest and order. Doing this for him will give you a lift also. Prepare yourself – Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. Minimise all noise – You’ve had plenty of time to do things during the day. Don’t

Ughh my progressionist ass is so frustrated and making my skin crawl

It’s not true and he knows it, but he likes to hear it all the same.

Wow they are not separated from the fact they both are truly unhappy

A fleeting thought, a longing for something different, something beyond the confines of our cabin.

But they are not typical husband and wife

Of course he’s right. He’s always right. Has always thought things through before I even reach the point of asking. It was stupid of me to even have suggested it.

Ugh so passive; almkst pavlonian

He prefers me to look young, flawless. A picture-perfect wife.

Aging is such a beautiful process. Its a privilege honestly

‘You’re such a good wife,’ he says.

Yeah, because she's compliant from his perspective

I’m doing everything I can to make it up to him today.

‘What d’ye say?’ ‘Thank you,’ I’m quick to respond.

Ewww dont infantilize her

is part of the routine. Next step; the scales. I step gingerly onto them, feeling Cal’s gaze lingering on my body, scrutinising its curves and contours.

Im immensely triggered

beautiful wife.’

So vain

Why did he come home to spend the day with me if I’m just going to be doing all my usual chores?

I despise him already

fancy venison pie for lunch. Make sure that jam’s done in time,

You can do it sir

lie-in.

Jekyll and Hyde, right in front of me.

Oof uncomfortable

As he always says, I need to make sure he’s nourished each day otherwise of course he’s not going to be his usual self.

Hes a child

who would hurt me, who are only interested in one thing. That’s why we live where we do, in seclusion and safety. That’s why he put the warning signs up around the perimeter of our land. To keep everyone out.

Shes being brainwashed

Best friends whose innocent night out on the town turned to being tied up and mutilated for months until they begged for death.

Fear mongering

Of course he seemed fucking nice! It was all part of the act!’

So hes training her to believe that a good man is someone mean???

‘Not all … p-people are evil.’

You sir are

Mr Darcy. True, enduring love. But even the words of Jane Austen are not enough to captivate me today. My mind has turned into a void.

Me too i love this book

There’s something about these letters. Some sense of danger here, like the pages themselves are telling me that once I look at them there will be no going back. Holding my breath, I pick up the closest one and begin to read.

Stopp

Gemma wrote for me,

To the next woman

But now it’s not just a desire. It’s a need. A desperation. Now there’s not just me to think about.

Girl gooooooo

‘Lesson? Oh no, no, no. Mon dieu! I am a genius, known for my childlike scribbles. Talent like mine cannot be taught.’

I dont like this jekly and hyde...its very frightening and unstable

Do I really want to ruin that?

Just when she thinks it is unbearable...he pulls her back in

The reason for this sudden bout of sickness is, of course, clear in my mind, but I can’t bring myself to say it.

Poor baby...literally

‘Because o’ that wee bairn in that belly o’ yours.’ He takes another step forward so that he’s close

Thats the only reason???

I’ve found myself becoming ravenous these past few days.

Me everyday

My stomach knots and I realise this is the first time in years I’ve felt truly scared of him.

Ive felt terrified of him this whole book so far

Am I going to be able to leave Cal before this baby arrives?

STOMACH IN KNOTS

It’s a cabin of fear.

He won’t let them come because then there will be medical records needed. There’ll be questions asked. And Cal can’t be having questions asked.

Soooo controlling and im triggered

twilight zone

Loveeeee this show

‘Call me if you need to. Day or night.’

What is this chivalry?

that men can actually be kind.

Nahhhh hes not it

With Cal, I do.

Its a farce

Full of lost, weak men who cannae properly support their families.

I’m being stupid. I don’t need to be afraid of Cal. He saved me from Rich. Cal’s a good man. He’s just got some outdated views, is all. I just won’t marry the guy.

Justifying/rationalizing his behavior...classic stockholm syndrome

lucky lady

I hope shes being sarcastic

Is Cal just as bad as Rich? Have I escaped from one hell straight into another?

Yessss....well idk about rich but cAL seems comparable

Your name is Mary. Your parents are dead. I’m your husband.’

Im confusion

He was giving me birth control pills.

Brooooo

‘Pregnancy is not a fucking excuse to let yourself go!’

Sirrrr relax

picking up the utensils, giving them a wash, depositing them back into their holder and placing it back in its home on the counter.

I fear for her

‘I love you, Mary.’

This isnt love

If it means keeping you safe, I’ll do whatever he wants.

She needs to tell the doctor about the bruising and hitting