'A Mother's Worry' by Lorraine Murphy

"Once upon a time..."  the dreadlocked play-therapist in ethical cotton trails off as Rosemary bashes a square peg into a round hole. “Sweetie, do you know the story of Hansel and Gretel?”

“Does a bear crap in the woods?” The peg lands with a thud.  

“Mmm, interesting.” The therapist scans her notes. “What do you feel the bread crumbs represent?” 

Rosemary rolls her eyes. “Duh! It’s obviously a metaphor for the false perception of control and the folly of being good." 

The therapist whispers to me. “Nothing to worry about here, Mum. Rosemary is highly intelligent for a six-year-old.” 

Rosemary squeezes a doll’s head into a tiny box. 

I shudder.