Chapter 14: Marian’s Resistance

“I thought we settled this.” She crossed her arms over her chest in a gesture she would later learn meant she was being defensive.

“Marian, you’re not happy.”

She pointedly turned her head to look away from him. “I am content.”

“You need to meet people.”

“I only need you.”

Walter looked at her and sighed. This was where he usually surrendered and dropped the issue. Where he stopped pushing her for a little while. “Well, I need you to get help,” Walter said. “I need you to see someone. Will you do that for me?”

That she could not deny. “A therapist?”

“Yes.”

Her brow furrowed as she thought about it. Why did she need therapy? “I am not crazy.”

“No, you’re not,” Walter said, giving her a loving smile. “But you’re lonely and agoraphobic. You need to get out more.”

“I am supposed to be the one in charge,” Marian said. She frowned at him, trying to make herself feel angry. “You are my servant.”