Mark noticed.
I’ll give him that.
When he saw her lick the spoon and put it back, he’d say, “Mom. Come on. Use a clean spoon.”
And she’d wave her hand at him. “Oh, you two.”
And he’d turn back to his coffee.
That was it. That was the end of it. Every time.
I kept waiting for him to notice that she’d completely ignored him.
He never did.
Once, at dinner, I reached across the table for the bowl of green beans she’d just eaten out of. I was going to take it away and dump it.
Diane let out a long, loud sigh. The kind of sigh that’s meant for an audience.
And Noah looked up at me with big eyes.
I hesitated. I put the bowl back down.
I was embarrassed. Embarrassed to be making a scene in front of my four-year-old. Again.
So I started doing things differently.
I started serving Noah’s portion first. Before I put anything on the table. Before Diane could get near it.
If I left a pot on the stove for even one minute to answer the phone or help Noah in the bathroom, I’d check it when I came back. Smell it. Look at the spoon. Look at the spoon rest. Like a detective.
I started keeping a separate little Tupperware of everything in the back of the fridge. Behind the milk. Labeled “Noah” in Sharpie.
I was guarding my own kitchen.
In my own house.
Every time I wanted to bring it up with Mark again, I counted the weeks left on my fingers. Four more weeks. Three more weeks.
I’d bought a little paper calendar from the dollar store and hung it on the inside of our bedroom closet door. Every night before bed, I crossed off another day with a red pen.
Mark watched me do it. Every single night.
“Almost there,” he’d say.
“Almost there,” I’d agree.
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.