Oh Honey

by Emily R. Austin

On the nights when Ivy is not sleeping over at our apartment, she has taken to calling me and talking to me for the duration of the evolution of man. I sit aging on the phone while the stars above me begin burning out. Whole species of animals become endangered and extinct at my feet.

"Hello my name is Mattie. I am calling on behalf of Krippler Incorporated. Today we are conducting a survey on feline diabetes. Do you, or any member of your household, own a cat?" The respondent breathes heavily down the phone. "What are you wearing?" they ask in a moan. "You’re disgusting," I say, "but nothing, you?"