chapter 7 - fragments

"And you say they were raccoons?"

"It was too dark, I didn't really see…" A frazzled Daisy greeted the old man, leading him into the kitchen.

All of the cabinet doors laid cracked, most either hanging by only one or fully detached from their hinges. Contents had splashed out from their shelves and drawers: utensils, cereal, bottles, glasses, cans, and various unrecognizable treasures. The sink flowed into the floor tiles' vortex of brown, circling broken pieces of ceramic in the center of the room. In between the brushes and swirls of discarded food, the man squinted for clues.

"Whatever animal did this was feral. Lucky you didn't get bit, young lady."

"Which is why I'm so dirty! 'Cause I-I was fighting it off!" She patted at the chocolate soaking her pajamas, half-dried syrup sticking to her palms.

"Yes, I can see that…" he scratched the scruff of his chin and examined a cabinet door that had been snapped off the hinges. Daisy thought she heard him say "handprints" as he picked up another shelf.

"I can fix all this plus the faucet, but you need to call a cleaner first. I ain't working in this pig stye." Reaching into his back pocket, he handed her some business cards, "I know a few places that can do it in a jiffy, but make sure you request a steam clean. I'll be back Thursday to make repairs."

"Thank you, sir, I'll call right away."

"No problem," he paused grabbing his toolbox before opening the front door, "And no disrespect, but you have a pretty mean cowlick there, miss."

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"It looks gorgeous! You didn't have to get the kitchen cleaned for me, Dais'!"

"I'm the only reason it gets so dirty, it's only fair. And I know work is stressful." Ash met her lips, reuniting with her lover's breaths.

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"F*ck this pig! F*ck your little fatty!"

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"I love you so much."

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"Ugh, is dinner ready yet? It's been foreeeeveeeeer. I'm staaarviiiiiing!"

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&quo t;Oink for me, piggy!"

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"Eeeeeee! " Stop it, babe! You know how ticklish my tummy is! Eeeeee! He hee!"

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Three times a day.

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"No! Please..."

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"Eh, it's a little tight in the chest. Can I get some new ones?"

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"Oink, oink, oink!!!!" Each one belted in time.

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"Oh my god, this is so good! Let's try it."

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"—no, drink it slowly."

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BEEEEEEEEEEEE LCH!

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"Mmmm. Good girl."

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"Daisy,

Over the last several months your work has, frankly, been sub-par. You refuse to open up to discuss these issues, and honestly, I have lost my patience regarding these periodic "food review pranks". They're borderline pornographic.

I regret to inform you that your position has been terminated. Please reach out to HR about your severance and last paycheck.


Best of luck in the future,

Stacy"

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