Annie Bot

by Sierra Greer

Personality, she learns, is the combination of how a person changes and remains consistent over time.

“When we indulge the cruelest sides of our natures, it often feels powerful and honest,” Monica says. “It gives many people a thrill. But afterward, the effects can be devastating. We are shocked to realize we can be so vindictive. We cannot reconcile this new behavior with who we think we are, and this creates a dissonance, a deep confusion. We can feel both justification and self-loathing, and this can, in turn, fuel more anger toward the person we’ve abused.”

Fulfillment starts with being truly honest with yourself. Not anyone else. Yourself. And that’s harder than you might think.”

She has to be smart. Cautious. She must keep him calm. He must not know.

She cups up a handful of the cool water and drinks.