Seems like you came out of this situation the stronger person and for that I'm proud and glad for you. Indeed, there are people in our lives who's will may overtake us or muffle what we want or what we live for. I like the simple image (yet it reaches deeply) of stepping out of the puddle, and walking ahead. Even if there will be more puddles in the future when it rains and life happens, you do not have to stay stuck in them. It also reminded me of how people drag us down and we may try to help them, but we can only do so much. We may get involved emotionally, but we can't necessarily "save" someone, if that makes sense. It also makes me thinks of those bullies who pull others down to lift themselves up. That's no way to live.