Chapter 23 - Family Photograph
Joan wanted a family photograph for her seventieth birthday.
Immediate terror among adults.
Not because cameras.
Because comparison.
We almost said no.
Then Dulcie laughed.
“Grandma literally just wants picture.”
True.
We set rules mostly for ourselves.
No coordinated “pretty girls” comments.
No child positioned by appearance.
No posting without parent approval.
No commercial use.
Normal privacy.
Ramona attended.
So did Evan.
Benedict.
Me.
Nell.
Dulcie.
Joan.
The photographer asked:
“Tall people back.”
Dulcie whispered:
“Finally a ranking system I understand.”
Nell laughed too loudly.
Ramona smiled.
Good.
Then photographer said:
“Girls together.”
Nell looked at Dulcie.
“Want?”
“Yeah.”
They stood.
Nell’s hair now shoulder length again because she had chosen another trim.
Not long braid.
Ramona did not react.
Photo.
Then Joan saw preview.
“Oh, my beautiful—”
She stopped.
Everyone froze.
She laughed.
“I am seventy. I’m allowed one mistake.”
Dulcie said:
“Say hilarious.”
Joan:
“My hilarious granddaughters.”
Nell:
“Better.”
The photograph ended up on Joan’s mantel.
No caption:
Pretty one.
Talented one.
May you like
Just names.
That was enough.
