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times, the girl’s gaze turned back to the moon.
‘The moon is beautiful.’ The mother looked at it, then at the girl.
‘The full moon phase doesn’t last long.’
The girl set her cup down onto its saucer and placed her hands in
her lap.
‘Just like the moon, Fi. It’s just a phase, it’ll soon pass over, like all
the other phases. It might come back, but it won’t last long, I promise.
I’ve had plenty of friends who went through the same thing as you.’
The girl turned her gaze to her hands.
‘They all saw the same psychotherapist and got fixed.’
‘I’m not broken,’ the girl looked up at her mother.
‘I didn’t say you are. I’m just saying that they all saw the same
therapist, and look how happy they are now.’
‘I’m happy.’ The girl sipped at her latte. ‘Are you happy?’
‘I am. But maybe we can see the same psychotherapist and see
what’s wrong, I’ll be there with you.’
‘Nothing is wrong with me.’ The girl pressed her ring deep into
her finger. It was bought for her just last week.
‘Perhaps one of my friends can talk to you about this? I’m sure I
can get a hold of them.’
‘I said nothing is wrong with me.’
‘I didn’t say anything was wrong with you. It’s just not…natural.’
The birds had stopped chirping.
‘When is it planned?’
‘Two months.’
‘Where at?’
‘Her backyard. We were meant to do it at the church, but the
priest said it would make people uncomfortable.’
‘Am I invited?’
‘You are if you think you are.’
‘Do you want me to come?’
The girl shrugged and sipped her coffee. ‘It’s happening whether
or not you decide to come.’
The mother’s coffee had turned cold. ‘But do you want me to come?’
‘I don’t care.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I don’t care whether or not you show up.’
‘Well, I care.’
‘Then if you care, come.’
Pastiche Of
Hemingway’s
Hills Like White
Elephants
10