Chapter 3

  

   Larissa sat at her desk in the nursing building, poring over her textbooks and notes. She had chosen to pursue nursing after seeing how much her grandmother had suffered without proper medical care. Larissa had always been a compassionate person, and she wanted to make a real difference in people's lives. 

Her two closest friends, Harriet and Ruth, walked into the building, laughing and joking around. As they approached Larissa's desk, they quieted down. Harriet leaned over Larissa's shoulder to peer at her notes. 

"Hey, what's up?" she asked. "You look like you've been studying nonstop for days." 

Larissa forced a smile and shrugged. "Just trying to stay on top of things," she said. "It's a lot of work, but I know it will be worth it in the end." 

Ruth nodded. "You're going to be an amazing nurse. You're so dedicated and smart." 

Larissa blushed at the praise. She appreciated her friends' support, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She had been feeling lonely and isolated lately, even with Harriet and Ruth by her side. 

Later that day, Harriet and Ruth invited Larissa to a party that weekend. Larissa hesitated, knowing that she was not happy In her marriage, and she doesn't want to complicate Issues In her marriage, and In the other hands, she was In Dee thought that her husband, Stanley might be In the party, 

"I don't know," she said hesitantly. "I don't want to do anything that would completely ruin my marriage," Larissa said unconsciously, 

“Do you have problems In your marriage before coming to nursing school?“ Ruth asked, 

“Not really, but my marriage Is not all that perfect” Larissa retorted, 

“Sorry about that, we will like to hear the full details of all the happenings in your marriage” Harriet said, “don't worry, I have all the tactics and medicines to put your marriage on the track” she said, 

“All the happenings In my marriage always made me sad always, Harriet,” Larissa said while tears dripping down from her eyes, 

“Larissa, stop sobbing, It's one of those things that happens,” Harriet said, and she  rolled her eyes. "Come on, Larissa, live a little! You're young and beautiful, and you deserve to have some fun. Stanley doesn't own you." she said,

Larissa sighed. She knew her friends were right, and meant well, but she couldn't shake the guilt and shame she felt about her marriage. She had tried to make things work with Stanley, but he had grown increasingly distant and cold. They rarely spoke anymore, and when they did, it was always tense and awkward and late results to violence, 

That weekend, Larissa found herself standing outside the party venue with Harriet and Ruth. She felt a sense of trepidation and fear, but also a glimmer of excitement. She hadn't gone out with her friends in months, and she missed the feeling of letting loose and having fun. 

As they stepped inside, Larissa felt a rush of energy and noise surround her. The music was loud and thumping, and people were dancing and laughing. She felt a pang of guilt as she looked around, knowing that Stanley would never approve of this kind of scene. But then she spotted Harriet and Ruth waving her over to join them on the dance floor. 

Larissa let herself get swept up in the moment, moving her body to the beat of the music and laughing along with her friends. For a few hours, she forgot about her problems and enjoyed the feeling of being carefree and happy. 

Hours later, Larissa's anxiety began to creep back in, and uncomfortable, she excused herself from the party and made her way back to her apartment, feeling a mix of emotions. 

The next day, Larissa met up with Harriet and Ruth for lunch. They asked her how the party had been, and she sighed, 

"It was fun, but now I'm dreading going home," she said. "I know Stanley will be angry with me for going out with you guys." 

Harriet frowned. "Larissa, I hate to say this, but I think you need to start standing up for yourself. You shouldn't have to live in fear of your husband's disapproval all the time. You deserve to have a life of your own, outside of your marriage." 

Larissa felt conflicted, on the one hand, she knew Harriet was right, she had been letting Stanley control her life for too long, and it was making her miserable, on the other hand, she still felt a sense of duty and loyalty to her husband, even if he didn't reciprocate those feelings,  

As the weeks went on, Larissa found herself growing increasingly unhappy. She was still excelling in her nursing program, but she felt like she was going through the motions. She barely talked to Stanley anymore, and when she did, it was only to exchange polite pleasantries. 

One day, Harriet and Ruth confronted her about how down she had been acting. 

"Larissa, we love you, but we're worried about you," Ruth said gently. "You've been distant and sad lately, and we feel like you're not telling us something." 

Larissa took a deep breath. She knew she couldn't keep hiding behind her marriage forever. 

"I've been feeling really stuck," she admitted. "I love nursing, but I feel like I'm not living up to my full potential. And with Stanley...I don't know what to do. I feel like we're just going through the motions and there's no real love or affection between us anymore."  Larissa explained, 

Harriet and Ruth exchanged a look. 

"Larissa, you don't have to keep doing this," Harriet said firmly. "You deserve to be happy and fulfilled, both in your career and in your personal life. If Stanley can't give you that, then maybe it's time to move on."  Harriet said, 

Larissa felt a sense of both relief and trepidation at Harriet's words. She had never seriously considered leaving Stanley before, but the idea was suddenly very tempting. 

As she left lunch that day, Larissa felt a sense of clarity wash over her. She knew that she couldn't keep living her life in fear and uncertainty. It was time to take charge of her own destiny and follow her dreams, even if it meant leaving Stanley behind. 

That night, she went home and had a frank conversation with her husband. She told him how unhappy she had been feeling, and how she longed for a deeper connection and sense of purpose in her life. Stanley listened quietly, 

“Are you done, how many times will I tell you that, I'm done with you, I spoke to you with my action, I did everything to discourage you and leave me alone, but yet, you keeps on soliciting, see, I have already showed the way out of my life, just get out of my life legally, and let me be free” Stanley said, 

Larissa felt tears spring to her eyes as Stanley poured out his mind furiously,  her mind was shattered, because she didn't expect that kind of answers, 

Larissa couldn't sleep, she was just Rolling on the bed till In the morning, 

Immediately, she woke up, she stood up, picked up her bag, and returned to the nursing school hostel frustrated, and devastated, 

Arriving at the school hostel, her friends, Harriet and Ruth noticed that she was not happy, but she refused to tell them what the problems Is, but Instead she freshen up and made her way to the class,