'Under the scoop' by Michelle Dickins

 

‘We will scoop it up…’

 

In her mind an ice cream scoop cuts through her favourite choc-mint ice cream. A large dollop is put into someone else’s bowl, out of reach. Saliva builds in her mouth, too much saliva and some spills out. Three middle fingers press into her upper lip. Underneath her teeth gnaws the bottom one until words burst through.

 

‘Will there be any left?’

 

‘We will take enough tissue to make sure we have clear margins.’

 

A shovel size wound appears in her bosom. It’s time to try new flavours. She thinks she’ll start with salted caramel.