That's Not My Name

by Megan Lally

I think it sounds like another thing that used to make me happy and now sounds like a nightmare. But I’m not about to say so.

This town is full of places I don’t belong anymore.

She’s everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

How could he look at this and think it would fit me?

The carpet has those zigzag streaks like it was recently vacuumed, and there are fresh black covers on the seats that smell brand new.

“Yeah. Those new cabinets are costing me a fortune.” Cabinets? I blink at him, waiting for him to correct himself, but he doesn’t. “I thought you said the floors were being replaced.”

“Yeah. I was thinking we should probably stop and pick up some makeup or something real quick. We don’t need anyone seeing that face of yours.”

the freckles on my nose.

It must have been the strawberries? Was he guessing the first time? How can my own father not know what I’m allergic to?

remember, you’re made of hopes and dreams, hijito. We wished for you for so long. I’m here. Whatever you need.”

“You know, something about you looks so familiar. I can’t put my finger on it.”

Even sewed her initials into the tag.

And the man she’s with is definitely not her father, so who the fuck is he?

don’t know why I keep remembering the wrong details, or how to make it stop.

I scream and her head splits open, peeling away like a costume to reveal Wayne. Staring. Always staring.

Max leans over from the driver’s seat. “Get in, losers, we’re going sleuthing.”