I thought back to those early years when grief had made everything feel distant and unreal.
“He changed almost immediately. Before you died, before he told me you died, he was still somewhat caring. You know, he’d ask about my day, help with groceries sometimes. But after the funeral…”
I paused, remembering how cold Richard had become in the weeks following Blaine’s supposed death. At the time, I’d attributed it to grief, thinking he was processing the loss in his own way.
“He became controlling,” I continued. “Started making all the decisions about money, about the house, about everything. Said I was too emotional to think clearly, that I needed to rely on him for guidance.”
Blaine’s jaw tightened. “He said the same thing to me about the business, that I was too griefstricken to make rational decisions.”Browse Magazines
“It was more than that, though. He started isolating me from people. When my sister called to check on me, Richard would answer and tell her I wasn’t up for visitors. When neighbors tried to bring casserles or offer condolences, he’d send them away, saying I needed space to heal.”
