Page 104 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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I was supposed to be

the good one,

what was T supposed to be?

It Takes a Village—Nighttime—My Bedroom

“I don’t care if Granny already shouted at you,

it’s my turn now!” Mum yells at me.

“No, that’s not how this works!”

I yell back. “You missed your turn!

I only get to see you at night,

when we’re both tired and grumpy,

or on Sundays when I have to

earn my keep on your market stall,

working for room and board

like I’m in a Charles Dickens novel.

You work full-time, study part-time,

but you’re a mum none of the time.

You’re never around for me!

The school couldn’t get hold of you,

that’s why they had to phone Granny!”

“Excuse me, Malachi Michaelides,

you can dial down your bloody sass.

I’m not having that from you today.

Don’t you dare come for me!

You know it takes a village to raise a child,

and you have me and Granny,

Yiayia and Bapou and Theía Estélla, too.

We could’ve spent time together in Cyprus

but you went off with Vass every day.

So, don’t you dare tell me I’ve missed my turn.

The bloody cheek of you!

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