One Night Only

by Catherine Walsh

“I said you’re a middle child.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Feelings of exclusion, lack of attention—” “Are you analyzing me?” “You’re not that deep,” he mimics. I bite back my retort. “I’m an only child,” I say stiffly. “Even worse.”

“I’m just saying, if you want to corner the market on family drama, you’re going to have to give me a lot more than that.” “I… You want more?” He shrugs. “Usually Americans are much better at this game. There are a lot of cults in your country.”