The room

Maria was silent. She didn't want to be there. In the musty room, with the big oak bookcases that touched the ceiling. Her eyes trailed the coloured rectangles on the shelves, and titles such as 'The Human Mind' and 'How We Work' popped out at her. There were so many. Had this woman read them all? The woman opposite, with the sharp features and glasses, leaning forward out of the armchair. The armchairs. Maria didn't like the armchairs; they were too big and too dark, making her small. Insignificant. But, she was used to it.
"Maria!" shrilled her mother, "for once in your life will you pay attention!"
"Please Mrs. White, try to remain calm. This is a calm place - a sanctuary", said the woman with the glasses.
"Sanctuary?" Maria thought.
Her eyes flittered over the room, with it's dark bookcases, stacks of , multiple folders and big armchairs. It was not a sanctuary.
"Would you like to talk, Maria? It may help if you discuss what you've been through", the woman with glasses said.
Talk? Did she need to talk? Was she supposed to talk? Why should she talk, to this woman, a stranger? Benny had loved her, he just got angry. But it was okay, because she had loved him. They were happy, in their own little world.
"No", replied Maria blankly.
Her eyes glided to the woman, who seemed uncomfortable. Was it her eyes? Not many people liked her grey, flat, cold eyes. But Benny had loved them. Benny had loved her.
"There is nothing to talk about", she continued.
"Oh for goodness sake Maria!" her mother began, her cheeks flushing as red as her dyed hair, which emphasised her pale skin. The skin Maria too had.
"It wasn't right Maria! Domestic violence isn't natural! You should be angry...hurt...betrayed! Not just sitting there, staring at the wall blankly".
"Mrs. White, please remain calm", said the woman, the therapist.
Was there any point being angry? She wondered. No. Her mother was angry enough for them both. Maria didn't like anger.