Dad’s Liquor Cabinet

“I can’t believe I ever lived here with the way it was.” Miri sat on the floor, her back pressed against the bed frame. She pulled a piece of pizza from the box beside her and took a bite. I followed her gaze around the room before flopping onto her bed and staring up at her now ivory-colored ceiling.

Beside my head lay a bundle of white Christmas lights. I told Miri she should have lots of light in her room and bought them without asking. As soon as the ceiling was dry I was going to string up the lights - I knew just how I’d do it and I couldn’t wait.

I tried to think of something to say, but my mind drew a blank.

“I mean, really.” Miri laughed, but ended up inhaling a piece of pizza she’d been chewing. And then she was coughing and laughing and crying all at once.

I rolled over and hung over the edge of the bed. I did my best to slap her back (because I’d seen on TV that’s what people do), but I don’t think I helped any.