manipulation begins
It was quickly clear that my stepsister was a manipulator. She had an unrivaled talent for attracting others to her, and Mark was no exception. Mark was frequently the honored guest at her door as invitations came in. I watched as she charmed her way through talks, using every phrase as a tactic. I watched from the sidelines as my marriage slowly fell apart as Mark, enthralled and unaware, slowly unraveled himself into her world.
Manipulation Begins
a solitary reflection
I found myself doubting my marriage at the quiet times when everything got to be too much. Was it convenience, love, or something else entirely? My sense of isolation was overwhelming. Family no longer felt like a haven, and doubt began to occupy my thoughts like an intruder. Was Mark really worth the hassle? The idea persisted as I tried to find solace in the brief intervals of quiet among the storm that was building at home.
A Solitary Reflection
