In suffering the unexpected loss of her husband in the space of three months, Maria has navigated this passing into an honest awakening to the stages of grief. Exploring the changes to one's character, its effects on those around them and the difficulties we face as carers when confronted with the responsibility to manage and comfort our loved one in this process. In Factions of a Mind, Maria examines our role as the carer. Learning how to manage the responsibilities to this role and the suffering it extends. To thoughtfully and honestly discuss our duty to care. As carers, our obligation to 'care' for the other has inexplicably meant that we do not equip ourselves with the tools and resources to 'care' for ourselves after their passing. Our inability to comprehend their loss and the stages of grief we are experiencing leave us vulnerable and open to further pain.