This is Where We Talk Things Out

by Caitlin Marceau

She breathes a sigh, glad that she won’t be spending more than the weekend here.

mhmmmmm

There’s something so unnatural about seeing her childhood repurposed for the cabin’s interior. She knows it’s Sylvie’s way of moving past her grief, but it only serves to wake Miller's own pain back up.

“I have, but I’m so confused as to why you thought it was okay to comment on it.” “I’m your mom, sweetie. If I don’t tell you the hard truths then no one will. I’m just trying to look out for you. But don’t worry, we’re having a healthy, low-calorie dinner tonight. So it won’t wreck your diet.” “I’m not on a diet,”

Miller Is Very Patient. Holy Cow.

“I’m sorry,” Miller says. “It’s just, it hurt when you touched it.” “Well it’s not like I meant to hurt you!” she weeps. “No, I know. I’m sorry.” “I didn’t mean to push you.” “I know you didn’t. It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay,” Miller says, comforting her mother through a mouthful of blood that she spits into the red snow. “I didn’t mean to be so rude.” “Don’t worry about it,” Sylvie says, extending a hand. "I forgive you."

patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient patient

The three of us are going to be a family

patient, but not clever enough to have assumed Sylvie was talking about daddy!

“It should have been you,” she finally says, voice cracking. “I wish it had been you.”

good for her!