Function: To demonstrate protagonist vs antagonist.
‘Well, you know dear, there isn’t just the time any more. You tried so hard and all the pain and trouble you went through with Larry really wasn’t your fault. You know, you do have your mental problems and you can’t help it. Dear old Larry was good to take you, considering the way you are, you know, dear? I alway used to worry about you with your allergies as a child, and we had to make sure everything was just right for you, every now and then something would get by and…’
The younger woman’s burning fury once again began moving, as the slow rumbling of an earthquake, beginning to shake the facade built over years and reinforced by medication. Her repressive abilities something far beyond most people’s ability to conceptualise, a true testament to human willpower and courage. Like a meditative trigger, she keeps repeating, ‘Yes, nan. I know nan.’
‘…shouldn’t have done that. It really wasn’t his fault he lost his temper. He had so much stress already and I know he should have take a step back, but that marriage, darling, it was everything to you! It’s so sad you lost everything, darling. You should have tried to talk to him more, but these things happen. Maybe if you had done more about the house or given him more time to take it easy, I don’t know. It’s such a shame to lose a good marriage like that. Larry was such a good man. You were such a good girl to not press charges. I mean, he really didn’t mean it. He was so kind and caring. Maybe we should have a picnic in the garden, and invite him around for lunch. He always enjoyed coming for…’
A change in medication. Reality had somehow not matched… itself. Screaming. Shouting. A fist… Looking at the floor very closely. Body arching in abject pain.
‘Are you listening dear? Seems you drifted off there. Did I say something about lunch? Are you hungry? I can get you some lunch of you like. How about a cuppa tea? Oh yes, fetch the kettle and put on the tea, will you, dear? It would be lovely to have Larry over for a cup of tea, wouldn’t it? I will make some rissoles for him. He always liked them.’
‘Mum, he hasn’t been around in ten years.’
‘Oh, I’m so forgetful in my old age. I’m an old woman now. I’m sure we could track him down somewhere. You should have stayed in contact with him. Maybe you two could still get back together. He was so sweet and lovely. You should have stayed with him and made up. Everyone has a few problems in marriage, that’s nothing new. Young people just don’t stay married any more. Haven’t you thought about finding him, darling? I hope you do. We should have him around for tea when he gets back. He was good to take you. I can’t help wondering if you didn’t do something to upset him, you see? I always worry about you, ever since you were lit..’
The scissors went into the older woman’s forearm faster than the last syllable.