By day three, I realized we had a problem.
A disgusting one.
I came home from the grocery store on a Wednesday afternoon and found Diane standing at the open refrigerator. Eating potato salad straight out of the big Tupperware container. The one I’d made for the whole week.
She had a spoon in her hand.
She put a bite in her mouth. She licked the spoon clean.
And then she stuck it right back into the container. And took another bite.
“Diane,” I said. “Please don’t do that.”
She looked over at me. Spoon still in her mouth.
“Do what?”
“Eat out of the container. With the same spoon. That’s for everybody.”
She laughed. A big, easy laugh.
“Oh, honey. You’d think I dipped it in poison. We’re family, aren’t we?”
She put the lid back on the potato salad and slid it back onto the refrigerator shelf.
I threw it away after she went to bed. All of it. Four pounds of potato salad.
I told myself it was a one-time thing. She was used to living alone. She just forgot.
It wasn’t a one-time thing.
The next night, it was the spaghetti sauce. I was browning garlic bread in the oven, and I turned around, and she was standing over the saucepan tasting it with the wooden spoon. Then putting the spoon back in. Then tasting it again. Then stirring.
The night after that, it was mashed potatoes. She took a bite straight off the serving spoon at the table and put it back in the bowl.
Then on Sunday morning, I caught her eating Noah’s strawberry yogurt.
He was sitting next to her at the kitchen table. She took his spoon right out of his little hand. Took a bite. And handed the spoon back to him.
“Diane,” I said. As calmly as I could. “I’m asking you not to put your saliva in his food.”
She rolled her eyes.
“You’re a germaphobe, sweetheart. You’ll make him one too.”
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.