"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 ...