"Because I can't, Mom," I said, grabbing a cookie from the table and taking a bite.

"Why won't you?" she asked, giving me a questioning look. "Do you even understand the consequences of what you've done?"

I stood up, facing her. "Yes, Mom. I'm fully aware. But I refuse to be a puppet in all this. I won’t let her control me like I have no will of my own."

My mom's face tightened with anger, but instead of lashing out, she turned to Marie, who had clearly been eavesdropping. "Can you give us a moment, please?" she said.

Marie set down the knife she'd been holding and rinsed her...