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Your Eyes Are Closed
by Michael Cocchiarale
No, really, it's simple. It'll be over in a sec. All you
have to do is sit. Put your hands on your lap. Try to
smile. Donna will stand behind you . . . Donna, get that thing
out of your hair. I don't care what it is or how good it's
supposed to make you look, put it on the table until we're
through. And stop with the mouth. There's going to be no
long faces in this picture. Lisa, you crouch in front of
grandma. That's lying. Crouch. Or, okay, kneel.
That looks better. Mom, I changed my mind. Can you put a
hand on her shoulder? Donna, don't slouch. Ten more seconds
and you're free to go. Lisa, do you want buckteeth? Keep
sucking your thumb like that, and you'll see. Daddy doesn't have
money for braces, so I'd take it out if I were you. Now.
Listen, do you want to make grandma upset? If you weren't feeling
well, would you like it if -Thank you, Lisa. Thank you very
much. Yes Donna, how about that? I can be nice. You
should try it sometime. Lisa, just put your hands together.
Yes, like praying. Perfect.
Mom, you holding up? Five
more seconds and then you can have some peace. Just let me line
you up and . . . Donna! Why aren't you wearing a bra? How
many times have I . . . You know, I've had it all the way up to
HERE. When we're done, I'm calling your father to tell him what a
common little . . . slut you are. I'm sorry mom. I'm sorry
you have to hear this but you don't know what we've had to put up with,
before . . . you came. Donna get your ass back in here. If
you take just one step inside that room, it's going to be your home for
an entire month. Daddy will take out the cable again. And
no more cell phone. Think about a life without Bradley or Rick
squawking in your ear. Brady. Yes. Whatever. And
right, no J.B. That goes without saying. Is he still coming
around school? I don't care what he drives, or what he says he
does for a living. What's with you and these older men? Are
you looking to get raped or something? Do you want to die?
Oh you little'-just wait until I tell daddy about your nasty little
finger! By the time we let you out of that room, you're going to
be an old maid. Keep up that stomping and maybe we'll let you die
in there. No food, no drink. I've seen it on the
news. I know how it's done so nobody knows until it's too damn
late. How would you like that, little miss bitchy pants?
Lisa, Lisa . . . LISA! Don't cry, I'm only kidding. You
know how funny mommy can be. Mom, oh mom -- I'm so sorry.
You know I didn't mean to say, to bring up . . . . It was just
words, a figure of speech.
OK now, we're going to get this over with. Donna, pay
attention. Move over there. Directly behind grandma. No,
don't touch her because it hurts. Put your hands at your
side. And stop doing that with your lip. What do you have
to be upset about? Lisa, for the love of God, quit picking your
nose and try to act like a human being! Thank you.
Now. Everybody. Are we all set? Okay. Hold
still for just one sec. There. We're done. Can you
believe it? That was a snap. Or a click. Ha,
ha. Lisa, isn't your mommy so funny? Are you happy
Donna? Now you can jiggle on back to your room and your stupid
phone. Lisa, could you just? For two minutes? All
holes are off limits. Understand?
Well, mom, here's the picture. There, in the little window.
Your eyes are closed. You look . . . a little . . .but -- I know,
I know. I'm tired too. Girls, blow grandma a kiss and
then get out of here. Go outside and play or something.
Sure Donna, go to your mall. Take five dollars from my
purse. You hear me? FIVE dollars. I'll be counting
later. No Lisa. You're only seven. What have I told
you? You'll be . . . before you know it . . . . Why don't
you just go watch TV in your room?
Mom. I'm sorry. It is a very pretty picture.
Really. Thanks for putting up with everything! As you can
tell, I'm not thinking very clearly anymore. Truth is, I feel a
little sick myself--I mean, it's hard . . . everything. If I
could just . . . But maybe first you want a little
something to drink? Okay, okay. A little tea, then?
Or I can make you up some chicken broth. Isn't there anything I
can do? Good, yes, right let's go take our much deserved
rest. No, really, you don't. You don't have to eat for
me. Maybe let's try later, after our naps. Nothing like
sleep to work up an appetite!
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