Nora Goes Off Script

by Annabel Monaghan

“Oh shit. Sorry. This is your bed. What time is it?” “It’s two-thirty. I came out to bring you some tea and you were passed out. I guess I was too late.” He’s really close to me. And I’m lying down. I don’t know how I can sit up without getting even closer to him, so I just stay lying down. “I was writing a lot of really terrible scenes. Bad writing wears me out.” I’m still not entirely awake. “What have you been doing?” “Pacing. Waiting for you to finish writing.” My stomach drops. “Oh?” is all I can muster. “Yeah.” He gets up and starts pacing the short length of the room. “I’m not sure about Arthur. I mean we were ready last night, but today, after a full day of school, he could have forgotten all of it. I mean, what if it’s a disaster?” Oh, sweet reality. Thank you. I sit up, scoot back, and comb my hair with my fingers. I am a person and a mother again. “Leo, he’s ten. This is an elementary school play. Half the kids will throw up or start crying during the rehearsal. Arthur’ll be fine.” “What time do we pick him up?” “Oh my God. Okay.” I stand up and take a deep breath. “I’m really off my game. I’m in charge of the kids during rehearsal, like the ones waiting backstage.” I check my phone. “I’ve got to go.” Leo follows me out. “I’m coming. You can’t make me wait here.” “Fine. We’ll leave in ten. I need to organize dinner.” “I’ll do that. What do we eat on Wednesdays again?” “Surprise me,” I say.