There are a lot of reasons to give up.

They stare at me like a mob, ready to become ugly.

Marriage is too much work... we have grown apart... I am exhausted from trying to be understood... the kids take all my energy... he is not the man I thought he was... everyone else has a better marriage than this... we were too young when we started... he works too many hours... we don't have enough money... I need time for me...

Their chants grow louder between my ears and I get smaller with each pulsing accusation.

But then I silence them all with one sweep of my outstretched hand.

Eyes still gaping, they are instantly frozen and mute.

In the calming quiet, I see that they are only pretend. They are all made of plastic.

"I promised to love him always!" I shout with a conviction that surprises even me. 

Then a great hand reaches from above and scoops them all away.