The Perfect Child

by Lucinda Berry

The police aren’t always the best at letting me know what they know.” I stopped short, realizing what I’d said.

Los pacos no sirven

I understood how frustrating it must have been for her,

Nope, no lo entiendes

Christopher acts like it’s not that big of a deal, and it makes me feel crazy.”

Inutil ese

you’re pregnant.”

Para el salado no hay descanso

I tried to pretend I was happy and excited about the baby,

Lo odio

She was the child in front of me. It was hard to feel close to a baby that was only real in discussion.

Hannah sal de ahí

I’m really excited about the baby. I am. Things are going to be just fine.” It was the first time in our marriage that I had consciously lied to her.

Cada vez peor este imbecil

I didn’t want to be here either.

Inutil

Baby showers were no longer women-only events, but I wouldn’t mind going back to when they had been.

Inutil

“She said she wanted to make Elodie cry. When I asked her why she wanted to make her cry, she said that she likes to see what people look like when they cry.”

Encierren esa madre y tirenle agua bendita