My mind has touched the farthest horizons of mortal imagination and reaches ever outward to embrace infinity. There is no knowledge beyond my comprehension, no art or skill upon this entire planet that lies beyond the mastery of my hand. And yet, like Faust, I look in vain, I learn in vain... For as long as I live, no woman will ever look on me in love. - Susan Kay's Phantom
This was it. My future was set in stone. My friends told me I was old enough to say no, to fight it, but I couldn't. They didn't understand. This was what I was raised for, what I was taught and now I knew I had no business wishing otherwise. It was all planned out for me. I would sew, cook and clean and eventually raise babies, all for a man that I'd probably never love. I would be subservient at all times, never talk back or be allowed to express an opinion. I'd go to church and sit on the front pew, stare longingly at my husband and pretend not to be bored. I'd be on call at all hours of the day and night to the flock. I'd be the first one to visit after the birth of children, or the death of loved ones, holding in my arms a casserole dish, a comforting smile and words of wisdom. I would become my mother. - from Six Hours to Sunrise