(A conversation between a four year old, and a thirty five year old.)
It ate her up.
It ate her up?
Yes.
Why?
Cause it didn’t like her.
The cancer?
Yes.
And she’s dead?
Yes.
When is she coming back?
Never.
Can we see her?
No.
Oh, no.
Yes.
What did you say?
What did I say when she died?
Yes.
I was sad.
Did you cry?
I think so.
Oh, no.
It’s okay. I’m happy now.
Why?
Because she’s in a better place.
Where is she?
She’s in another world.That’s better than this one.
Why?
Because there you don’t have to go to sleep.
You can stay up?
Yes.
I can stay up?
No, you’re going to sleep in ten minutes.
Oh, no.
Yes.
What was her name?
What was her name?
Yeah.
Sara.
Cara?
Sara.
Sara?
Yes. She would have loved you.
Oh, no.
You and her would have been good friends.
Can we call her?
No.
Is she still dead?
Yes.
Oh, no.
It’s okay.
Can we call her dentist?
Can we call her dentist?
Yeah.
Why do you want to call her dentist?
Maybe he can help her.
That’s very nice.
Where’s your phone?
Why?
So, I can call the dentist.
It’s on the table.
Where?
On the table. On top of the envelope.
Ok, I’m going to call the dentist. I will help her to fix your mom.
Okay.
Can you call him?
Sure. Okay, that’s him.
Hello? Hello?
He’s listening.
Hi, dentist. This is Rafael. Daddy’s Sara is dead. Umm, can you help her? Okay. Come to our house right away.
Pause
He’s not saying anything.
He’s listening.
Black.
I love children and their hope that adults know to change the world.