Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
Eight Dollars and Change
She did everything the doctor said but lock the upstairs window. She knew that letting the boy sneak in each night made her whole life his prey, but the things he stole kept them connected, mother and son, one leaving one taking.
26 Comments on “Eight Dollars and Change”
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Listen to Jan read her essay “Billy” presented on WUWM’s Lake Effect.
Jan’s essay “At the Breakfast Bar” on WUWM Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “The Parish Hall,” on WUWM Lake Effect May 27, 2020
“Fury Cannot Touch Me,” Modern Love, NYT, 9/29/11
Reblogged this on Red's Wrap and commented:
And while we’re talking short, here’s another 42-worder.
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A fragile connection for mother and son, but one that says ‘I still care about you.’ Open window; open heart. I loved this, Jan.
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Thanks Susie. And where have you been? Have I missed?
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Well, that was heartbreaking.
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Tough being a mom, isn’t it? Even when you know it’s wrong, you let it happen.
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The simple structure and language of this made it feel like a confessional. I wouldn’t be surprised if this actually happened/happens. I imagine being willing to open yourself up to your children no matter the cost is a sacrifice many mothers must face. You’ve captured it completely here.
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I like this. Moms will put up with a lot from their children.
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What a great story. I’m awestruck by this. It’s phenomenol.
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Very interesting. Not quite sure what to make of it… good job.
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There is something between a mother and her child – dare I say especially a son – that makes it hard to close that door. Or window. We always want to see the good in them, help them, and have hope. Not necessarily healthy for either side in this case, I guess. There is something beautiful in the way you present this flawed connection.
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Interesting.
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Everything the doctor said…intriguing.
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There are so many layers to this story.
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I enjoyed this unique take on the prompt. And the last line is just perfect.
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Interesting idea. Seems like you could make a much longer story out of this.
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Wow. First entry in any of these “Gargleblasters” I’ve read…if they are all this good, what great reading this will be!
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She just can’t close that window on her heart. This is beautifully rendered, Jan.
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This made me wonder. A stupid act may be, but stupid isn’t always bad i guess.
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Sometimes children have no idea what we do for them.
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What’s eight dollars to keep that connection, right? I like this unusual story.
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“one leaving one taking”–I love this duality, and the “fruitful ambiguity.”
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Love this take, Jan. Especially that it was so rebellious : )
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This has me wondering if he stole more than money!
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A great use of your 42 words Janice.
A mothers love knows no bounds.
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Uh oh. Sounds like mom’s an enabler.
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