Needle in the Way by Scout Lynch

Needle In The Way

by Scout Lynch

I was sitting in my local dive bar. It was later on in the evening, in the middle of December. I was on a barstool with my back to the door, and each time it opened, it let in a gust of frigid winter air. If I wanted to be exposed to the cold, I would be sitting outside. The front door swung open for what felt like the hundredth time, and I turned around to glare down whoever walked in, as if they had purposefully opened it just to annoy me. I looked over my shoulder to see my friend Micah, who beelined for me as soon as he saw me. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry. I saw the EMTs wheeling your husband out of your building this morning. Jesus, there was so much blood. Is he going to press charges against you?”

I turned around and leaned back, reflecting on the day I had. I don’t think I’ve had such a terrifying experience ever since. That morning, I was awoken at 5 AM to my cell phone ringing, only to pick it up and see my soon-to-be-ex-husband Martin’s name illuminated on the screen. I hit the “reject call” button and went back to sleep. I was staying at a friend’s house, since Martin and I were going through a separation. When I woke up 3 hours later, I checked my phone and knew something was wrong: 18 unopened text messages, 11 missed phone calls, and one unheard voicemail. All from Martin. I rolled off of my friend’s bed and threw all my clothes on as quickly as I could. “Scout?”

“Hey, I’m so sorry. I really have to go. Martin blew my phone up, and I think something’s wrong.” “Do you need a ride or anything? I can get dressed and drive you home.” “It’s ok, it’s only a few blocks away. I really appreciate it though. I’ll text you.”

I didn’t mean to be curt, but I had to run. I had a feeling that something bad was waiting for me at home. I ran out the front door of my friend’s building. I was trying to look at my phone while I speed- walked down the street. The texts Martin had sent me were all misspelled