hello! First let me say that I like your username, Puddle Diver. Creative, unique. Yes, I agree, this tale highlights a tragedy of sorts. Two people maintain a twisted relationship. Who permits their partner to refer to them as a puppy? This Alice certainly seems to be manipulative. This reads like a scene from a movie or television show. It moves at a quick, tense pace. I found the dialogue to be believable and it contributes to the story. Yes, now I wonder, too. Did they do this to each other? Enabling at its finest. Thanks for sharing!