A Fragile Door Between Us

I can hear my man breathe in the next room. He is digesting his daily dose of Jack, and I've taken the opportunity to lock myself into the bedroom. The door won't hold if he sets his mind to opening it, but it still gives me some sense of security. Why, I can't say. I lean myself to it and press my ear against it. I can hear him muttering under his breath, occasionally raising his voice in curses. Then there is a shattering sound, as if something has been thrown across the room. Glass.
   It is my job to clean up after him. It has been for nearly three years now. I always try to make myself invisible while I pick up the broken dishes from the floor or wash the liquor from the carpet. If I don't make any sound, it decreases the risk of him hurting me. Somewhat.
   Look at what he is doing to you! My friend's words echo in my ear. I don't know why I don't ever listen. I should. I really should.
   I sit down on the bed and flinch from the pain in my abdomen. I remember so well when it happened. He was angry, and I was just in the way, that's all. I was just passing through at the wrong time. He apologized afterward. He always does. And I always stay, because where else would I go? He doesn't love you, Katie.  
   I look down on the sheets. They are still bloody from last night. I take out a new pair from the wardrobe. They need to be changed. I can't look at the memory of his reeking breath in my ear while he forces himself into me. I told him no, please, but it was like he didn't hear. Or care.
   My body aches as I switch the red sheets to the blue. The new ones are dark. Good. That means the future stains won't show.
   I hear him rising from his chair, then the steps across the room. He's coming here. Oh no. The sound is irregular. He can hardly walk straight. I've seen it plenty of times. There is a bang on the door between us, and another one. "Katiiiiiie!" A roar. "Let me in!" I hesitate for a moment, sitting on the bed and closing my eyes, wishing I was somewhere else. Another roar."Katiiiiie!" I slowly rise and walk the few short steps to the door. I'm afraid. Terrified of his wrath if I don't comply. I take a deep breath and open it.
   Katie.
   Leave him.