Every Other Memory

by Kaylee Ryan

“Mommy loves you,” I whisper to my daughter. I have a daughter. I’m a mommy.

“What’s her name?” I ask. My voice is gritty like I’ve swallowed sandpaper. “H-Hazel.” She clears her throat. “Her name is Hazel.” “Hazel,” I repeat softly. My lips find the top of my daughter’s head as I close my eyes and breathe her in. My daughter.

“The past is the past. I promise you I won’t take her from you. I don’t… I don’t know what the future holds for us. I don’t live here. Decisions need to be made.”

“W-What about you?” “No. However, that’s not from my lack of trying. I tried random hookups a few times and never made it past a kiss or two. They didn’t taste like you,”