The Search
He walked the streets showing her photo. At every corner he imagined her voice calling, “Daddy.” At every turn he shed another tear.
Sandwich
Thick jam, thin peanut butter. No crust. Cut diagonally. Halves cannot touch. Yellow plate only. “Thank you, mommy. Love you.” All worth it.
How I Learned To Be A Good Girl
Mom yanked the wire bristles of the dog brush through my hair. “What’dja learn?” “No climbing.” “Be a punkin’ & get ready for your enema.”
What’s an ‘N word?’
The six-year-old sits outside the principal’s door. His teacher hadn’t liked what he’d said. But daddy never minded; daddy usually laughed.
Missed
One hand on her womb, she scrolls through for his number, pushes “Send,” then stops it before the call can register. Repeat.
Failed Initiation
Laundromat. Two mothers spew passionately about child-sized wrinkles. A look to me for an understanding nod. “No kids.” Guilty smile.