Jane.

I continued working, focusing on cleaning the dust from his furniture. Suddenly, Richard grabbed my hand and pulled me around to face him.

“Are you not listening to me?” he demanded. “Why aren’t you answering when I speak to you?”

I acted as if I couldn’t hear him at all, keeping my face blank and emotionless.

“Are you deaf? Can’t you hear that I’m talking to you?” he said, his voice getting louder and more frustrated.

I continued to play deaf and mute. I refused to ...