Weeks had led into months, months to almost a year, and still Janet refused to swap them back. She filed for divorce, citing mental and physical cruel...y. Janet was shocked. He thought he had been the most understanding of husbands. He even insisted on her staying home and having plenty of free time, rather than work. Besides, he sent her to the best cooking schools in the city, and this was her way of repaying his kindness and understanding?!Janet's parents intervened, as well as friends. So. And if you show them confidence and inner strength, they will surrender gratefully. Do you understand now, Byron?" He looked at me expectantly, patiently even. I almost fooled myself into seeing embers of kindness glowing in his eyes as well.I took a deep breath and steeled myself. Confidently as I've ever said anything, I replied, "Yes, sir. I've learned my lesson and then some. I can't wait to show this bitch who's boss." I felt an angry energy building inside me, and at that moment, I really. .."There were a few undecipherable sounds, then something that sounded like a slap. Then another, then ten more in a steady rhythm. The next sound was of the bed frame squeaking as if someone was bouncing rapidly on it, followed by a strange mewing sound. If I hadn't known it was just mom and me in the house, I'd almost have thought she had someone in there with her. I was both repelled and aroused by the thought of my mother on her bed, legs spread for some guy. I suddenly realized that the. .The tears start to flow, and I am again pulling at the ropes. Thinking that maybe this time they might just give, and come loose. But they don't, of course.More sharp breathes into my nose, I am having a hard time controlling my breathing. I am holding my breath. You pause, and give me time to breathe, to catch my breath. Telling me it is okay, that we are almost done.Eighteen, nineteen, twenty...I arch my body, tipping my head back, swinging it from side to side, wincing in pain. The pillow.