Freshwater Literary Journal 2022

Susan Winters Smith The Other I told her I didn’t want to go to the beach, but Darcy insisted, so of course we got badly sunburned and I had to listen to her complain all night that she hurt more than I did.

“Well, silly, you know better, but it’s your own fault,” I said, “That’s what happens to blondes, especially when they wear teeny bikinis.”

“Well, you look like a pink grapefruit with a few white lines,” she answered.

“Well, maybe so, but I’m not in pain.”

“Go ahead, rub it in, Marcy,” she said. “You always do. You have to be selfrighteous.”

“I don’t know why I bother, because you never learn.”

I made her a healthy breakfast-a poached egg, dry rye toast, and a fruit cup, but she whined and slammed the table. “I wanted blueberry pancakes! I told you that last night, but you don’t care what I want, do you? You have to be controlling. I always win in the end, though,” she grinned.

“Honey, I knew you would want sausage and lots of butter, but I seriously care about your health.”

“Yeah, right, Marcy,” she snarled. “You only care about your own health, not mine, or my happiness.”

“Well, I eat whatever you eat, and if you’re happy and healthy, it’s easier for me to be, so shut up and eat.”

“Oh alright, but will you put some of that pure aloe lotion on my back and shoulders?”

“Indeed I will, after breakfast, Darcy. We can’t have our skin falling off or causing cancer.”

“Well, don’t hurry or anything,” she whined. “After all, I’m the one in pain, and could you please give me some aspirin?”

I laughed. I have no way to get through to her, and Lord knows I’ve tried. Her compulsions have caused us to gain weight, and take frequent trips to the doctor, and the dentist has a chair with our name on it. At least I can doze off in the chair, and she can’t.

“Are we going to the boardwalk today?” Darcy asked. “You promised.”

“Yeah, I know I did, but it’s out in the sun again. I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

“Sun, schmun. We’ll get one of those strawberry soft serves that you love, Marcy dear. Remember that feeling of the cool creaminess sliding down your throat on a hot day, and the flavor of fresh strawberries. Ahh, that’s to die for.”

“Stop that, Darcy! Yes, it’s delicious, but we don’t want to die now, do we?

I’m not getting sweets today, I’m determined.”

“Well, we could die happy!” she laughed. “That reminds me. I think I need a haircut. How about we go to Lulu’s Doos? We can get two for the price of one,” she laughed.

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