I'm writing a story about a woman with dementia who experiences a regression to a childlike state. In this state, she falls in love with a man, which raises ethical questions about the nature of their relationship and the responsibilities of those around them to protect her while also respecting her autonomy.
The man's pursuit of a relationship with the main character could be seen as predatory or exploitative. On the other hand, it could also mean treating her as an independent agent capable of making her own choices. Her daughter, who is trying to protect her, assumes that her mother cannot make informed decisions. While the daughter shows care and concern for her mother’s well-being, she simultaneously denies her agency and independence.
There are two layers of ambiguity in this story. First, whether the woman made her decisions based on her fully intact cognitive abilities. Second, the true desires of the people around her—are they motivated by genuine concern or something else? I want this second ambiguity to contrast sharply with her current state, which is childlike and innocent.