“Cracks in the Ice”

I was quietly building a new life in America.
My job at Walmart was more than just work — it was a safe haven. My colleagues were kind, respectful, and welcoming. I never once experienced unpleasant treatment from anyone. In fact, I loved going to work. It gave me a sense of purpose and a place where I felt valued.

Since we had only one car at home — the one my mother-in-law used for her job as a nurse — I took the bus every day. I didn’t mind. We weren’t rich, but that wasn’t the number one thing for me. I was content.

But beneath the surface, things at home were slowly unravelling.

My marriage had its ups and downs, but everything started to change after my husband had an accident while riding his three-wheeled bicycle. He wasn’t hurt physically — not even a scratch — but something shifted afterward. Drastically.

Right before the accident, we had a small argument. And because of that, both he and his mother blamed me for what happened.
They believed that my words, my tone, or my energy somehow caused the crash.

From that moment, the atmosphere at home turned cold.
Interactions became tense and uncomfortable. The love we once tried to nurture started to fade.

Almost every day, my husband would threaten me with divorce.
He’d say things like:
“You’ll be gone soon.”
“I’m filing.”
“You’re not what I thought you’d be.”

I was exhausted — emotionally and mentally.

Adding more pressure, he had a close friend from Iran — a woman he had almost married before. They were in frequent contact, and although he insisted that they were just friends, I felt deeply uncomfortable about their relationship. It triggered more fights between us, and the emotional distance between my husband and me widened.

Meanwhile, my mother-in-law began pushing me to undergo tests on my reproductive system.
She wanted to know if I was “normal,” if I could have children. I went through the tests — and the results came back just fine.

But no one ever asked about my husband.
And I’ll keep that part quiet… because I think the silence speaks volumes.

Eventually, the threats weren’t just words anymore.
The divorce? It really came.

……………………………

This story is a part of my personal journey. Please do not copy or reproduce any part of it without permission. Sharing is welcome with proper credit and a link to this blog