Chapter Twenty-One

Alex has invited me over for a sleepover next Friday, is that okay?"

As peace once again settled across the dining room, your mother massaging your back; her thumbs rubbing against your trapezius; delicate fingers gently breezing across your spine as she rolled up your muscles towards your collarbones; eliciting jolts of pleasure across your upper torso and neck, the girl makes her request.

You're in a much calmer and more forgiving mood now, a full belly, and your mother's expert touch eases the weariness that has beset you from a day of constant walking.

Mom doesn't respond to Chloe, instead looking at you in silence, your eyes now opening from their previous lidded state to look at Chloe, who stares at you hopefully, seeming to find nothing out of the ordinary in what's going on at this display of parentification.

You let out a thoughtful hum, trying to wrack your head for any memories of this Alex, was it a boy? No, she wouldn't be asking you if they were.

"Her study partner from tuition, dear."

Your mother pipes up in her soft, disarming voice, reminding you of who Alex was, ah yes, the Asian girl from that after-school tuition centre you pay to send Chloe to; damn thing costs you a fortune, but it's the only thing that's going to prepare her for college.

And she will go to college; you'll not have her die labouring in some toxic factory, fall in with some gang, end up subsisting as some streetwalker, or, God forbid, become a Mox because she isn't qualified for any meaningful work.

"She's a good girl; remember to pack a towel."

You give your approval, and with that, so does your mother grant her assent, cheering up the previously disquieted young girl, a smile returning to her face as she thanks the both of your profusely.

Fuck, you just remembered; Chloe sleeps in the nude and sometimes your clothes, that won't do, not at all.

"Buy her some nightwear next time you're out."

The older woman nods as she continues her massage, her fingers digging deep into the crevices and knots across your back.

You're growing old before your time from all this work, but you have to pay the bills and keep that pension.