February 24, 2017Her mother was bigger than most girl’s mothers. Everyone at school would approach her and ask her if they could come over and play when the day was done. She knew it was their curiosity that inspired the facade of friendship. She would simply say, “yes.”
“Mother, I’m home. I brought another friend with me to play. We are both hungry…is there something we can eat, mom? Did you cook today?”
“Maybe she’s not home.”
“No, she’s home. She’s always here. I have to beg her to leave the house, you don’t understand.”
“I don’t know, maybe she’s busy. Or she might want to be left alone.”
“No, it’s okay. She’s around here somewhere.”
“I should leave.”
“No, don’t go. I’m sure, she’s here somewhere.”
“Gracie, did you call for me?”
“There you are, mom. Patience and I would like to eat something. Is there anything made?”
“Maybe, but I can also put something together quickly for you girls. Sound good?”
“Yes, please, mom, would you?”
“Of course, honey. Anything for my little girl. Hello, Patience, I am Gracie’s mom.”
“Yes, everybody knows who you are.”
“Oh, they do, do they?”
“Oh, I was only saying …well, you’re hard to miss.”
“Like a building? Or a tree?”
“Yes–no, no…I meant, you’re hard to forget.”
“Can we just eat, mother?”
“Hold on, Gracie, I am getting to know your little friend.”
“I didn’t mean anything by–“
“Oh, no offense taken, Patience. I understand completely.”
“You do?”
“Of course I do. What other girl do you know has a pink hippopotamus for a mother?”
“You’re actually the only one, Mrs. Potamios.”
“I know, sweetie, and I want you to know I take no offense from you or the other children when they want to take a closer look.”
“You don’t?”
“Not at all. I enjoy the company. And my little girl should socialize with all the wonderful people this town has to offer.”
“Can we have something to eat now, please, mom?”
“Sure thing, dear. What would you like? There is still some chicken and pasta from last night, which is tasty. But, like I said, I could make something quickly.”
“That sounds good with me, mom. Patience?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t have that. I’m a vegetarian.”
And as they stared at each other in silence, a wasp outside hovered above the yellow rosebush, a line of ants traveled across the street, an emerald-green lollipop melted in the sun atop the sidewalk, and the ringing bell and jingle from the ice cream truck could be heard fading away.
∞
