Drifter

Dirt

***

"My mother is calling."

Her black eyes flash over to me. "Don't pick up."

"But-"

"Do you remember all those times she treated you like dirt? Like you were worth nothing to her? All those times she downed bottle after bottle of cheap whiskey, instead of looking out for you?"

I nod, the breath catching in my throat. The truth in her words pump ice through my veins, freezing my heart.

"She's just calling to do that again, darling. To make you feel small and worthless." She comes closer, until her hands reach out, resting against my cheeks. "You don't need to feel that way - don't let her make you feel that way."

I let the ice swallow me from the inside out, and watch the phone ring until it stops.