A Moment We Lived In.

Y's

eys in the flower pot outside, even though I've warned myself a hundred time

e was here, uninvited, filling my apartment with the

She enters with a mission,

rilled chicken hit me full in the face, mingling with f

hat practiced smile of hers-bright enough t

on, Mum?" I asked,

to cook, even if she had to

nd you're already out of groceries. I was g

you just stop?" I kept my vo

. We'll eat like a family. I

d Dad either. Barely a year after Dad's death, she introduced me to her "friend

d my hands under the tap, and came b

nking of cutlery between us. Bu

the way?" she ask

sn't interested in me-not really.

exhibition next we

cou

uttered, wiping my mouth with a

by name. You're o

. She had a whole songbook of Iris' accomplishments and

ion-it's at Purple Gallery. The biggest in New York. We're all so proud. I think

to avoid the same trap I fell into-de

're seeing at the momen

"No. I'm still

father's company. You don't need to keep atten

it. But I'm no

t hate

said it's fine.

's studio. It's close by. Maybe you two could catch up. She just moved into a new apa

s. I watched her carry the res

not your skin. The kind that made you reflect on your activities the whole day

hirt, climbed into bed

board that didn't require a portfolio of prestigious references. Just raw

ent a quick mes

interview? Text me b

mediately with a 'don't be late'. Sounded

alarm and cl

got impossible and out of backup plans. But so

there was always Emily a