Her: “I’m really hungry.
<pause>
“My stomach’s hurting so much! It’s making me sick.
<pause; glances at me>
“I don’t know what I want."
<opens fridge and stares into it>
Me: “You want me to fix you something?”
Her: “No! Can’t I just talk out loud?”
Me: “Okay.”
<returns to writing>
Her: “Damn! <smacks lips; twice> Those red potatoes you make sure would be good.”
<pause; pointedly does NOT look at me>
Me: “You want me to make you some?”
Her: “No, Honey! I don’t want to bother your writing.”
<pause>
Me: <sighs; sets computer aside; heads to the kitchen>