“When did you fall in love with him?”

“When did you fall in love with him?” Sarah wanted to know. She needed to know. Especially on this day of her father’s funeral.

“I don’t know” her mother said. “And I don’t think you can call it ‘love’ exactly. More like a mutual respect of each other. Sexually.”

Her mother didn’t have to add that last part, but she always wanted to get under Sarah’s skin, in matters of the heart. Like an evil step-mother, her jealousy of Sarah’s attractiveness sometimes took a stinging form.

“When were you going to tell me?” Sarah screeched. “Why did I have to hear it from HIS MOTHER. She had every right to scream at you. This is disgusting, what you’re doing. You need to spend time with men your own age. Stop trying to steal my BOYFRIENDS!”

• Writing