Trapped

I haven't left the house in weeks. The changes occurred gradually. Isolated by my mom's passing, my absentee father, no siblings, and few friends. No one noticed.

My hands shook as I scrawled, “Help me. I'm trapped.” I shoved it into an envelope.

Josh whispered to me at our wedding, "I’ll love you forever." My heart melted, now I'm terrified to my core.

Josh stormed into the living room and yelled, “Tricia, get the fuck over here!”

I cowered behind the couch. Afraid to make the wrong move. Did he know I called?

The doorbell rang, interrupting my thoughts. Josh opened the door. The man handed him the pizza and said it's paid for. As Josh slammed the door and went to set the food down, I saw my opportunity. I slid the envelope under the door and prayed the delivery guy would see it. Did Josh notice?

Josh flung the pie down, then lunged at me. Cornering me, spit flew in my face as he shrieked, “I'm going to kill you!”

He choked me as I desperately tried to squirm away, staring at the door. Would help arrive in time? My heart raced as time ticked away.

We struggled as the door flung open, the delivery guy swung full-force at Josh, who turned. He pivoted as a fist went straight into his temple. Josh slumped to the floor.

I collapsed on the couch, crying, as the man called 911. The police arrested Josh, and I finally felt free again.

Barb DeMoney is a flash fiction writer whose work blends drama, comedy and horror.