ripple effects
The ripple effects affected the entire family; cousins were unfriended on social media, and Brandon lost a few football buddies who supported me. Our family reunions, once full of laughing and anecdotes, had devolved into awkward silences and tangible tension. Bonds that had appeared indestructible were suddenly stressed, with every interaction being scrutinized. No one survived untouched, and the resulting divisions were clear and frightening.
Ripple Effects
family division
The rift within our once-moderately happy family was glaring and unpleasant. Conversations that used to come naturally suddenly felt strained and stilted. Every conversation carried an underlying tension, a fear of stumbling on emotional landmines. I could feel the stares, whispers, and pointed questions. The once-close-knit family fabric was now tattered and dangling by a thread, with each member selecting sides and drawing lines in the sand.
Family Division
