I'll admit I hadn't heard of Gabby Petito until I read this. But you're right - it's nothing new. I remember Patrice O'Neal doing a bit about Natalie Holloway back when she was the Damsel du jour.

What we resist persists. As long as we stay unaware of the stories playing themselves out through us, we remain their puppets. You've provided a fascinating take on this - as usual.