This is Where We Talk Things Out

by Caitlin Marceau

As she does, the air turns sour. It reminds her of food left in the sun about to spoil. She sniffs the air, the putrid scent getting stronger the closer she gets to her mother’s door.

Her duffel bag is open and waiting for her on the top of the armoire, but it’s emptier than it should be. She picks it up and her heart sinks when she realises that all of her clothes have been taken out of the bag.

“Actually, do we have any coffee? I’d kill for some, even the instant stuff.” Sylvie frowns. “You know that too much caffeine is bad for fertility, right?” “Then it’s a good thing I don’t want kids.” “You know, I said that when I was your age. I was convinced I’d never want to be a mother and then, when I least expected it, I had you,”

Ugh i really dont like this woman

Opening the washer, she finds her clothing still soaking wet—as though the final spin was interrupted—and discoloured, like bleach has already been poured into the machine. Upon closer inspection, some of her garments are ripped, cleanly torn like they’ve been shredded with scissors. “What the fuck?”

It’s not her mother’s spare clothes in the dresser. It’s not even the clothing she left behind when she moved out with Florence after college. It’s the same clothing she wore when she was just a kid, only bigger.

“Yeah, just tired. I haven’t walked this much in a long time.” “I can tell!” Sylvie chuckles. “You’re bigger than I remember!”

What the hell

“I’m serious, Sylvie.” Her mother’s eye twitches at the sound of her name, “I think I need to go.” “No!” Sylvie shouts. “I didn’t put in all this work, go through all this effort, work so hard for you to ruin it! You’re fine! You don’t need to leave because nothing is wrong! We’re going to be a family again! Okay? The three of us are going to be a family and it’s going to be good and you’re okay! OKAY?”