Drowning in May Floods

By Mickie Lynn

1.
Debbie has perfectly feathered hair and big, round white earrings. She approaches with her gaggle of girls following and encircling.
“Are your parents divorced?”
“Why? What does that have to do with anything?”
“Are they?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, that explains it then.”
“Explains what?”
“Why you look so poor.”
“I’m not poor.”
“Your pants are high, high waters.”
“What?”
“If your pants were any higher, they would be culottes. Look at them, above your ankles. Like you’re getting ready to walk through flood waters and don’t want to get your pants wet.”
The sounds of snickers and giggles burn the ears and sear the heart.

2.
“Mom, can we go clothes shopping?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I can’t afford it.”
“But I need new pants!”
“It’s almost summer, then you’ll be living in shorts.”
“But my pants are above my ankles!”
“Wear shorts.”
“I can’t! The shorts are too short to wear to school.”
“You’ll just have to make do. It’s almost summer.”