Member-only story
Curious
The Daily Word #44: internal
Susie and Molly were watching Molly’s new goldfish in its bowl when Susie explained, “Your fish has to stay in the water to be able to breathe. It doesn’t breathe air like we do. You understand?”
Molly nodded.
Susie was preparing Molly’s dinner when she heard a loud crash. “Molly!” She sprinted to Molly’s bedroom.
She found Molly standing in a puddle of water. Her new fish lay motionless on the hardwood floor. Broken glass was everywhere. Susie carried Molly to the kitchen, where she grabbed a bunch of towels. “Stay here, Molly!” She rushed to the bedroom and started mopping up the floor with the towels.
She heard Molly shuffle back in. “Molly, stay back,” Susie commanded. “I don’t want you stepping on broken glass.”
Molly stood still. “It died.”
Susie stopped and turned around. “I know, Sweetie. I told you that it couldn’t breathe without water.”
“I know,” Molly said. “But I had to watch.”
Susie took a moment to fully understand. A knot formed in her stomach. “You mean you had to watch it … not breathe?”
Molly nodded. Then, in her sweet little voice, “I was curious.”
