Research Mirror

Chapter 21 Derek’s POV The small conference room in the library felt suffocating. I sat across from my third interviewee of the week, a middle-aged woman named Carla who had recently remarried and brought her teenage son into a blended family. Professor Lang’s research project required real interviews, and each one was becoming a mirror I couldn’t look away from. “So,” I said, adjusting my notebook, “how have the power dynamics shifted since your husband moved in?” Carla sighed, stirring her coffee. “It’s complicated. My son resents him at times, even though he’s a good man. There’s tension. Jealousy. Hidden resentments. And sometimes… unspoken attractions that make everything messier.” My pen froze on the page. “Attractions?” She nodded, lowering her voice. “Not everyone admits i