The splintering.

Keep it in. You must keep it in.

Keep it in until she's gone. Until she dumps you at the door, drives away. Don't let her see. Don't let her see your wet eyes, your trembling chin. She'll say the most horrible things, tell you she's leaving, tell you you're disgusting. But don't let her see it cut you. Look out the window. Watch the trees and mailboxes whir by. Whatever you have to do. Just don't let her see.

Run. Run upstairs once she's dumped you on the door step. Lock the door. Push it away, push it all down deep. She'll be back. Can't let her walk in on you crying. Push it deeper, under. Under the mindless chores you still haven't done today. Lazy. Slob. Start the dishes. Maybe you can get them done before...

Back already? She needed to tell you again, tell you just one more time what exactly she thinks of you. Worthless, you are to her. Push it down, down deep. She'll calm down. She'll take it all back.

If your voice breaks, don't open your mouth. Swallow your rage, your disbelief. Swallow it down with the injuries she spews like nails. Scream over the splintering cracks of your heart as it bows under her hatred.