Relationship Patterns
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The Illusions – Chapter 9
The soft rock music playing is a relief, filling the silence in the car on the way back. It feels like we’re both running on low battery, neither wanting to admit it. At home, I collapse onto my back patio,… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 7
Words from Jeff lit up my screen before sunrise, a message sent at 11:20 p.m. while I was already asleep: “Fun. Authentic. Honest. Supportive. Safe. Comforting. What a fun night. Thank you. Sleep tight. I just prayed for you and… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 6
Jeff texts a photo of our new yoga mats, a bright splash of color against his desk. His message radiates eagerness for this evening, and a corresponding ripple of excitement moves through me. I imagine us practicing in the park,… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 5
My phone vibrates on the nightstand, and I reach for it. “My quote of the day from my current book.” A text from Jeff arrives as I linger in bed, sunlight pooling on the sheets. “‘We inflate ourselves with a… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 4 – Lizzie
The slam of a door startles me awake, slicing through the foggy residue of another fractured night. My head is heavy, my limbs still sunk in the mattress, but somewhere between sleep and waking the word run flashes through my… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 3
As the days blend together, Jeff and I fall into a steady pattern—calls and texts threading through the quiet stretches of my routine. He’s candid about his past. The women on some dating app, the halfhearted connections that never reached… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 2
Early the next morning, my phone buzzes—a text notification. Waking up at 7:30 AM on a Saturday feels like a cruel joke. I grope for my phone and blink at the screen. Jeff: “Donuts at Giant bakery were excellent. I… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 1
The weather is perfect — warm sun, light breeze — the kind that tricks you into believing things could be easy, that life might be simple. Yet it’s another busy day at work. I come back to the office after… Continue reading
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The Detour – Chapter 6
Weeks ago ~ It’s another Saturday afternoon, and we’re on our second video call before my trip to Ithaca. Jeff starts the call with Lesley and me, but immediately blacks out his camera. Lesley and I exchange shrugs as we… Continue reading
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The Detour – Chapter 5
It’s a gorgeous day in Ithaca, NY. I arrive early at Taughannock Falls State Park, the first stop on my waterfall itinerary. The parking lot is empty. For now, it’s just me and the morning. Perfect. I step out, the… Continue reading
