Monday, April 23, 2007

Entry #18

Like Magic
by Kintheatl


The fighting is over and mother is passed out on the couch like a rag doll. I cover her with one of those striped Mexican blankets that you can buy for $10.00 at gas stations all over the US.

I kiss her softly on the cheek and whisper, "I love you."

She does not tell me she loves me back.

I walk to the kitchen and think about how the chaos of this place tells you everything you might want to know about the story of my life. There is no hope here, no future, no light.

I wake up each morning and immediately start planning how I will get away. I go anywhere that isn't here. I go with anyone who isn't her.

"I'm leaving you," I say quietly to myself, because I am.

She doesn't know this about me-- how easy it will be for me to walk away from her and never look back. I think the things that you don't know about a person are the things that can break your heart.

I fix the curtains making them level again, knowing I'll be doing the same thing tomorrow because the hook was never secured properly. I turn on the hot water, squeeze in some yellow detergent, and swish it around with my hands till they burn fire-engine red. I watch the milky bubbles rise, making the mess in the sink disappear just like magic.

I dream of disappearing, too.

8 comments:

kcterrilynn said...

"...the things you don't know about a person are the things that can break your heart."

So much truth in that one line.

Scott said...

Bleak, and effective imagery.

Jude said...

Interesting take. I'd agree with KC - my favourite line too.

Beth said...

Agreeing with kc and Jude on favorite line. Sad, but hopeful in tone.

briliantdonkey said...

REALLY well written piece. There are a few lines I liked best. One has been mentioned by others.

"She didn't tell me she loved me back" was another.

"I dream of disappearing too" was as well.

Great job


BD

Pallav said...

Does she hit her mom everyday?

Bad girl!

Sweet story,she can sing marilyn manson's I wanna disappear. ;)

Cheers!

N

Esther Avila said...

Good story. You have three strong lines that are very nicely done:

my favorite - tugs at my heartstrings. I feel for this character.

"There is no hope here, no future, no light." -- how very sad.

"..the things you don't know about a person...can break your heart"

"i dream of disappearing too"

Anonymous said...

I agree about the gem line: "I think the things that you don't know about a person are the things that can break your heart." Genius!!

A nice mix of exposition and movement. Nicely done!

A high scorer overall.