Purple Sucker

Dawn Comer What happened next? Mommy, what happened next? she begs, wanting for story, an end. But I have no context, know no story. Morning but my daughter’s eyes flit, seeking shadows in sunlight. Mommy, what happened next? Morning and my eyes stare, settling into love-heart pillow, bright pink against dull blue carpet.  Cast off casualty of nighttime. And then I understand. Lucy, did you dream? Did you see  a story in your sleep? Baby crying, Lucy says. Baby crying in daddy’s office. Purple sucker in daddy’s office. And then, Elliot angry. Baby crying. And me not needing to hear Lucy but still she says her name as if it is not even hers. Lucy baby crying in daddy’s office. Elliot angry. Lucy baby have purple sucker. Mommy! Mommy, what happened next? Her first shared dream an ache in my gut. I have no words, no end, no power, no…