Snapshot

by Kay Cove

“Why didn’t you get divorced?” I ask point blank. “Lennox.” “What? I just mean on paper, not actually breaking up. Dad said divorce would’ve given you a fresh start from his record. Why didn’t you?” Mom shakes her head like my question is silly. “Honey, marriage is so much more than paperwork. I’m committed to your father—his mistakes, his burdens, his pain. They are mine as well. I’m not going to walk away from my commitment just because it’s financially convenient to do so. I didn’t marry your father for what he could give me. I married him because I love him… Also, a little bit for his body, because your dad”—Mom breathes out a low whistle— “is sexy.” She pumps her eyebrows twice. I glower at her as she snickers at my discomfort. “I would endure a lobotomy to unhear that.” “Oh, come on,” she teases, “every kid wants cool parents who still have the hots for each other.” “I assure you they don’t.”