Are You My Daughter?

Are you my daughter?

Marla is standing in the hallway,

staring at the wedding band on her fourth finger.

Sometimes I forget, she says.

I’m a gobshite.

I couldn’t even tell you what day it is.

Is it Friday?

No, I say. It’s Monday.

How do you know?

Umm. Because tomorrow is Tuesday.

She rolls her eyes.

I turn on the bathroom light.

And I’m not your daughter.

I’m Toffee.

Do you need anything? I ask.

She blinks slowly,

and rubs her hip.

To sleep. I just need a good old sleep.

It is three o’clock in the afternoon.