A number of years ago a mother and her daughter were in their home. The mother was busy with something. She was washing dishes, perhaps.

“Mom!” came the voice of the daughter.

They had a standing rule that the daughter could not simply yell at the mother from across the house. The mother ignored the voice.

“Mom,” the voice said.

“Don’t yell at me. If you need something, come to me and ask me,” the mother said and went to wipe the table down.

“Mom,” the voice said again.

The mother put down the wash rag and went to the back of the house, following the voice. The mother didn’t stomp, but she let her feet fall heavier than was necessary. She went back to the room. The daughter wasn’t there.

“Where are you?” the mother said.

“Right here. I need help with this leotard,” the daughter said.

She wasn’t there. The mother opened the closet. No one there. Continue reading “Other Voices, Other . . .” →