The Most Fun We Ever Had

by Claire Lombardo

pacifist. Her mother, who gave her such a long leash. “Christ, Mom, I never wanted this. I don’t have room in my life for this.” “This being Jonah, you mean.” It was jarring to hear her mother sounding angry. “Sorry we don’t all quite have your free-love, open-door policy, Mom. Sorry some of us actually like for elements of our lives to not be utter chaos all the time.” “It’s my free-love open-door chaos that’s the reason Jonah isn’t getting shuffled through the child welfare system anymore, Violet. A fact that you’ve never acknowledged or expressed an ounce of gratitude for. This whole family has rallied to care for this kid, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable to wonder where you’ve been the last eight months. You’re his mother.”