"Sandrine, I have to leave him," Alex pleaded with her best friend.
She wasn’t convinced of her own resolve. She paused, adjusting her hat and scarf—it was a very chilly September afternoon in New York City.
"I don’t know how… but I have to. I’m going to die if I don’t."
"Oh dear, Alex, don’t be so dramatic. What will you do if you leave him? It’s not like you can just go out and get a job," Sandrine cackled.
Alex just stared at her.
"Sandy, short of scrambling—are you my friend? I don’t need you laughing at me," she said more sternly than she expected.
"Of course, I’m your friend, Alex. That’s why I’m trying to give you some sanity support—some good old down-to-earth pragmatic reality."
"Well, maybe that’s not what I need. Maybe I need courage and support for my escape."
"Oh, come on. It can’t be that bad. You have food, shelter… he married you, so you have a support system for the rest of your life. You have it good."
"Good?" Alex seethed.
"Did I tell you he insults me all the time?"
"Oh dear, woe is me," Sophie said as she placed the back of her hand on her forehead, pretending to faint.
"That’s what men do. He’s a man. Mark is busy and has a lot of important things going on at the bank downtown. If he has a short temper, well—it’s your job to help him relax. You’ve only been married for six months. Give it time!"
"He is having an affair."
"So? Again—many men do that. I think Frank is too. As long as he buys me jewelry, he can do what he wants." She cackled again.
Alex pulled back her sleeve and showed a dark blue handprint on her forearm.
"Is this OK too?" she asked.
Sandy stared at the bruised fingers on her friend’s pale arm and fell silent.
"It’s 1929. I feel like I could leave and do anything… just to save myself."
"Let’s order some hot tea—it’ll make us feel better. And some cookies too. Cookies are healing," Sandy said.
She raised her hand to get the server’s attention. They drank tea and nibbled on cookies in silence.
"OK," Sandy stated. "Then we need a plan. I’m happy you don’t have children yet—otherwise I would never say what I’m about to say."
"I have an aunt in California," Alex said, looking up. It was the first time all afternoon she’d shown any hope.
"California is good. It’s far—it’s across the country," Alex added flatly.
"Yes. It’ll be a long journey," Sandy said, speaking like someone who had done this before. "So we have to plan meticulously. Does Mark give you an allowance?"
Alex nodded. "Yes."
"Good," Sandy replied. "How much?"
"$2 a month."
"Does he check up on your spending?"
"Sometimes."
"Then we need a highly hidden place for your savings. I suggest the kitchen. You’ll never have to worry about him bumping into it by accident. Even better—hide it with your supplies for your monthly visitor. That’s almost guaranteed to stay untouched."
Alex smiled briefly.
"I know the spot I’ll use. I’m estimating $25 for the trip—and a bit of money to settle in once I get to my aunt’s."
"Can you sew?" Sandy asked, shifting topics.
"Yes, I thought of that. I asked Mark to pay for sewing lessons. Also, I could teach art—watercolors—and even reading."
"Those are all great ideas," Sandy said, patting Alex’s hand across the table.
"You have to be strong for one more year. I’ll help if I can. I’ll write a letter to my aunt—it’s a rural town in Northern California."
"Rural will be good, I think," Alex said. "But wouldn’t it be more anonymous in a big city?"
"I see your point," Sandy said, pressing her beautifully manicured fingers to her chin. The deep burgundy polish matched her lipstick perfectly.
"I’ll be losing a lot," Alex thought. That included these indulgences—such as nail polish and lipstick.
"Alex, honey, once you leave, there is most likely no coming back."
"I know. That’s why I wanted to talk to you."
"You did the right thing," Sandy smiled.
"If we ladies don’t stick together, then we are lost at the hands of men—and that shall never do."
Alex felt relief. She loved Sandy, and she was going to miss her. But she had a year to build courage, funds, and resolve.
One month later, the stock market crashed.
Mark lost everything. He started drinking and spent more time with his mistress.
Alex took a suitcase out of the armoire and walked across the house, filling it with pieces of silverware, two ruby-encrusted earrings, her wedding jewelry, two dresses, one hat, one coat, and a scarf.
She walked through the train station and bought a ticket that would take her as far as $4 could go.