The Family Collection
MONICA LYREHART
Cynthia affixes her head on the mantle, beside her others. Really, which to wear for those who'll come knocking?
Perhaps… Indiana State Fair, 1963? Her grandmother's burnt and blistered lips grimace down at her. It's a face for keeping neighbors off the lawn.
Home, 2009? She tries on her old head. Cracked jaw. Bruised eye.
No. Something softer for the kids. They deserve soft. She hesitates over the last head. Caresses it. Yes. It’ll be like a friend.
She answers the first bingbong of the night.
“TRICK OR—”
Their devilish smiles invert. Tears well.
Strange.
“You don't like Preschool 2020?”
Monica is a speculative fiction author, poet, writing contest goblin, and “the best mommy ever.”