This is Where We Talk Things Out

by Caitlin Marceau

Between the old furnishings, her mom’s unusual behaviour, and the clothing that was chosen for her, her mind once again returns to the image of herself as a doll trapped in a dollhouse.

Her shoulder rests at an awkward angle, likely from the eight-foot drop Sylvie took out of the bedroom window. Blood mixes with melted snow, forming pink puddles around her feet.

Her mother slides off the hood of the car, shouting after her. "You promised you'd try!"