An Introduction

She was born in late September in 1980 and never learned how to ride a bike. She grew to accept this fact as one of many irregularities in her childhood. Everyone that she became close to in her post-adolescent life challenged her, however. Timidly, she would put one foot on the ground and whirl the other over the seat and attempt to pedal. Naturally, she fell and would continue to fall like the withered leaves every year. 

In the winter, her husband gave up. He left her to her books and shelves of vintage nick knacks. Her most prized was a wind up baby doll who waved its tiny plastic arms in circles. She would watch it come to life on her pillow and fall asleep to clicking sounds. He would come home late from work and sleep on the sofa so as not to disturb her.


She dreamt of another life. One that was free of concern over in-laws, date nights, and intercourse. She saw a child, a girl. She would push her on a swing set and sing "Suzanne." She bonded with the other mothers about scheduling nap and snack times, the lonely evening hours, and clothing swaps. 


She woke up and started to make breakfast.