Watching The Woman in White triggered it. Percival Glyde was being violent to his wife. But it was the threat of it that was worse, not the dragging of her and the slapping across her face. And then his hammering on her door. I lay in bed and remembered the threat of her. I was a child and then a teenager and still scared. I was always scared of her. She’d hurt me when I needed comfort and frighten me when I needed to feel secure. It wasn’t her fault. She was unhappy. Always was. I have forgiven her. Of course, I have. But those images brought it back. That dreadful vulnerability and no means of escape. Under the thrall, as Laura is. He was angry on my behalf. He sat on my bed and seethed. I do love him for that. She didn’t mean it. I believe that. Her pain overwhelmed all else. Rest in peace, my love.
