Weather Extremes by Elizabeth Murphy
Rain, drizzle, & fog
Vow to never utter another word to my brother. Google ‘Cheapest therapists in my area.’ Call Vodaphone to complain. Eat Weetabix with whole milk for supper. Pound on the wall when the neighbours play loud music. Leave toilet unflushed. Scroll Instagram reels until my battery dies. Stare unblinking out the window. Pick at a scab on my arm.
Snow, sleet, & hail
Google ‘Tropical vacations for singles.’ Check if anyone’s unfollowed me. Worry that my headache might be a brain tumour. Ruminate over why my parents gave my brother a more expensive Christmas gift. Snack on crisps and a liter of Pepsi. Watch Walking Dead reruns. Hum along to “Mad World.” Sleep with crisps stuck between my teeth.
Sun, heat, & blue skies
Change my underwear. Wash my bed clothes. Clean out fridge. Throw out all food beyond the best before date. Breakfast on fruit salad with nuts. Splurge on a gaudy sun hat. Reactivate OkCupid account. Update profile pic wearing the hat. Start work on a spy novel. Meditate after yoga. Google ‘How to be irresistible.’ Get a ‘Best Bro’ tattoo. Post an inspiring quote on Facebook.
Elizabeth (she/her) is the author of An Imperfect Librarian, (Breakwater Books, 2008). In a previous life, she was a professor, researcher, and author of one academic book and oodles of academic articles.
Image and sound courtesy of Elizabeth Murphy
*
Tags: