Chapter 23 - Lily’s Choice
At sixteen, Lily walked into kitchen holding salon photo.
Very short haircut.
My stomach dropped before brain caught up.
“Mom.”
“I’m listening.”
“I want this.”
Pixie cut.
Shorter than she had worn since Margaret shaved her.
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I like it.”
That simple.
I nearly cried.
Did not make it symbolic.
“Book appointment.”
She smiled.
At salon, stylist asked:
“Clippers okay around neck?”
Lily thought.
“Yes, but tell me before.”
“Absolutely.”
When first buzz started, she flinched.
Then breathed.
I watched mirror.
She smiled.
After:
“Do you like?”
“Yes.”
“Why are you making face?”
“I’m your mother.”
“Stop.”
She laughed.
May you like
The hair was hers.
Finally completely.
