Mindfulness

Ellie burst through the back door and rumbled past her mother without a word or glance.

“Darling,” said Janelle, “what’s wrong?”

The girl’s “Leave me alone!” was all but severed by the slamming of her bedroom door.

“Did something happen at school?” Janelle asked from the hallway.

“What part of ‘Leave me alone’ don’t you understand?” came the reply.

Despite her building concern, Janelle felt a stab of indignation.

“Okay, take a moment,” she sang, feigning nonchalance.

Later, peeling potatoes, she focused hard on the slice and fall of the skin, lest her imagination get the better of her.

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