Margaret
No. Just got back from a flea market with some friends.
Margaret
I almost bought this painting but I decided it was too much.
Margaret
It was like a family from the 1800’s. All dressed up. A mother and two little girls.
Mom
Did it say who painted it?
Margaret
Can’t remember. Anyway. I decided not to buy it.
Mom
Did you get the care package I sent?
Margaret
Yes. Thanks for the cookies!
Mom
Just a little taste of home while you’re at school.
Margaret
Speaking of. I should probably do some studying. I got a C on my last Logic test.
Mom
Ok. Just hold tight. You can do it.
Margaret
I will. Love you.
Margaret
I got the painting!
Margaret
The one from the flea market.
Margaret
I just couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Margaret
So I went back to buy it.
Mom
That’s great. How much was it?
Margaret
I asked the guy how much and he said it wasn’t for sale.
Margaret
Then when I was leaving I found it near a dumpster.
Margaret
Can u believe it? Somebody must have bought it and decided they didn’t want it.
Margaret
I’ll send you a picture of it.
Mom
Margaret. I think I know why someone got rid of it…
Mom
This isn’t a painting. It’s a photo.
Mom
And everyone in it is dead.
Margaret
What? No they’re not.
Mom
People use to do that. Take pictures of of dead relatives to preserve their memory.
Margaret
I don’t know what ur talking about! All these people are happy and smiling.
Mom
No, they’re not honey. Look at them. They’re posed.
Margaret
I don’t know why you have to ruin this for me.
Mom
I just think it’s weird to have it in your dorm room.
Margaret
It reminds me of home.
Margaret
The mom looks like you.
Mom
I think you should get rid of it.
Margaret
If I want to hang it in my room I will.
Margaret
Whatever, Mom. I gotta go.
Mom
You won’t answer my calls.
Margaret
Sorry. I must have missed them.
Mom
I got a call from the college today.
Mom
They said you haven’t been attending classes.
Mom
They said you haven’t been attending for the last month.
Margaret
I don’t want to go.
Margaret
I don’t know. I want to stay here.
Margaret
With the picture.
Margaret
She talks to me.
Margaret
The lady in the picture.
Margaret
She wants me to come inside and join her.
Margaret
The little girls are really nice too.
Mom
I want you to go to the health center, ok?
Mom
I’ll be there in a few hours.
Mom
Will you go to the health center for me?
Mom
But you said you’ve been feeling sick. Maybe you should have a check up.
Mom
Wait there. I’ll be there soon. Just hold tight!
Mom
I’m coming to your room.
Mom
Where? There’s no one here.
Margaret
Come to the picture.
Mom
I thought you said there were only two little girls…
Margaret
I did. Now there are three. Don’t you recognize me?
Mom
MARGARET. Come out of there!
Margaret
I’m a part of the picture now.
Margaret
The lady says you can join us too.
Margaret
U can join us too if you want.
Margaret
We’re all a part of the picture.
Margaret
We never die in here.
Margaret
The girls love to play hide n’ seek. They’re gone now, see?
Margaret
The lady isn’t a very good mother though. She drowned the two little girls when her husband left her. We could use a good mother like you.
Margaret
Will you join us, Mom? Please?
Margaret
I love you. I miss you so much.
Mom
If that’s what you want.
Margaret
Nothing would make me happier, Mommy.
