Carrying

Mumble

Cathy? Xiao Mao? You coming down for dinner? Dusting the cobwebs out of the corner of the stairwell, Mrs. Zhu craned her head, pausing a moment as she waited for a response. Eleven soundless seconds passed- after which Mrs. Zhu shrugged, and returned to her dusting. Further up the stairs, and through her bedroom closet, Catherine Zhu sat in her bathroom, hunched in a bathtub full of too-hot water, her skin angry and red. Glancing briefly at the locked door, she made a rude gesture. Her mother was first-generation, and had no idea what her daughters life was like- she could barely even speak English. I dont know what to do, Zach. Just yesterday, things were so good, and now... Kneading the tasseled fringe of a bath mat, Zach sprawled idly on his belly under the harsh light of Cathys make-up mirror: his only response was to stare sadly at Cathy for a moment before he turning his attention back to the rug. Look, I know it was a mistake- I know, all right? Cathys face was wet and swollen, and she looked away from Zach as she continued. My GOD, I fucking know, and yeah I shouldnt have but he said he loved me you know and I love him and I know it was a mistake but I didnt mean for this to happen. Nothing. On the bathroom floor, Zach remained silent. Putting the bath mat down, he rolled over on his back, staring at the ceiling, and pointedly ignoring Cathys gaze. Quickly reddening even further than before, Cathy stood clumsily in the tub, slipping as she tried to step out. Red blood stained the floor now, and Cathy quietly wrapped herself in a towel. Soon, that too was crimson. The prophetic plastic tube sat innocently on the top of the toilet, and Cathy grabbed at it- snapping it in a sudden rage and throwing it in the trash. Unbelieveable. she snarled. Venom dripped from her voice as she screamed at Zach. Why wont you help me?

Xiao Mao? Everything ok in there? Mrs. Zhus voice came from the bedroom outside. Youre the only one I could talk to, you know- the only one- and youre totally and completely useless. Her voice faded to a whisper as she wrapped herself in a clean towel and withdrew from the bathroom, leaving it in oppressive silence. Zach yawned and stretched shortly after the door shut, flicking his long white tail and padding towards the door, where he pawed and meowed to be let out.