Page 12 of Like A Moth To A Flame

“What about you? Husband? Kids?”

I laughed, shaking my head.

“As much as I work? No way. I don’t have the time.”

She gave me a sad smile. She was feeling sorry for me. It was annoying, but not anything I hadn’t heard before. I was a woman, and it was unheard of that anyone with a uterus dare be content with her childless life.

Life was ruled by vaginas, after all.

Women killed because of them, and men killed for them.

“Well, you’re young yet,” she said, reaching out to pat my hand. “You’ve got plenty of time.”

I thanked her silently for that statement. It was a step in the right direction, at least.

We talked a little longer, and it was past noon when I looked at the clock again.

“Well, look at that,” Tammy said, clicking her tongue. “Gettin’ late. I better get to steppin’. I’ve taken up enough of your time.”

“Stop by anytime,” I told her, walking her to the door. “I’ll be here for a while.”

“Oh, lighten up,” she laughed. “You talk like it’s the end of the world out here! We’re happy to have you. Glad to see you, sweetheart. I’ll see ya!”

With that, she bounced off the porch and disappeared, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Months in the house, painting, cleaning, and fixing. Months with these memories, and this pit in my stomach that ate at me until it felt like it was gonna swallow me whole. Maybe it was my past, but something had me feeling like I was being watched.

I shook my head, forcing the thought from my mind.

Looking around, I sighed. Every conceivable surface was packed with clutter. There were boxes in the corner stacked with papers, police files, and my mom’s old knickknacks that my dad had cared for obsessively.

I had to take care of it all, but I knew I couldn’t do it alone.

Maybe I’d order some lunch first.

No. First, I’d called Barrett.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and quickly found his number. It only rang twice before he picked up.

“Ya alright?” he asked immediately.

I sighed. How did he always know?

“Yeah, I’m alright.”

“You talked to Tammy? Bad news?”

“A bit. I mean, not really? I’m just a dramatic bitch.”

He barked a laugh.

“Maybe, but you’re the least dramatic bitch I know.”

“But I AM a dramatic bitch?

“Yes, but so am I.”

It was my turn to laugh.

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