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Emily opened a kitchen cabinet. She was in her stocking feet, standing on tiptoes. Moving tinned food around, she said, “We’ll be getting supper on, if that’s what you’ve come for. Help me clear the table, can you?”
“I’ll start pasta for the girls. Should we light the candles now? It’s nearly dark.”
Emily misunderstood. “Electricity’s on, in here at least. That’s his bid for rewiring, up there on the fridge.”
“Did you get us out of tomorrow night?”
“It slipped my mind. Completely forgot. Sorry.”
“There’s no way to leave me at home, I suppose. It’s the girls they want to see, not me.”
“The girls are their grandchildren, Judah. They’ve got a right to see their grandchildren.”
“What about me, don’t I have rights as well?”
“We won’t stay long. Just don’t start a row with Dad, that only makes it worse for everyone.”
“I’m not the one who starts them, am I. We couldn’t put this off until Sunday, I suppose.”
“Whatever, Judah. This one time though, if not for me for the girls, try to find a common ground with him. That’s all I’m asking.”
The phone rang. Emily took it. The kitchen was so small that she had to squeeze between Judah and the table to reach it. Removing an earring, she smiled at him uncomfortably, trying to make the best of things.
As she passed, he thought she smelled of her day. She smelled faintly of urine as well.
Judah went looking for his daughters, calling out, “I hear children, I hate children, when I find children in my house I can’t help but tickle them!” Screams of mock fright were heard to come from their room.
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