Hortensia Anderson

Eavesdroppers

As we pass her daughter's room, Charlotte and I can't resist pausing. Reflected in the mirror, Annaliese lies on the bed with her best friend, Olivia.

"He will take me like this" Annaliese whispers. Rose lacquered fingernails press deeply into the fluffy pillow.

"Give me that" Olivia grabs the pillow from her friend's embrace. Her legs wrap tightly around her borrowed lover.

I smile at Charlotte, remembering our own youthful yearnings. But Charlotte doesn't smile.

"I'll kill him," she says, softly.

spring dawn –
a chirping from the nest
in the eaves