I extend my fingers, reaching. The leaves of the plant part, trailing green marks over my skin. Mealybugs are attached to the stem and cluster near the fruit.
No, you are not eligible as a student. I extend my care, reaching. No, children and families are not allowed in this residency. I extend my hope, reaching. No, there are no full-time positions. I extend my efforts, reaching.
The mealybugs repulse me with their soft, white bodies. They are draining the plant, sucking from what it needs to survive.
No, the grant money may not be used for living expenses. I stretch my heart, reaching. No, the event conflicts with dinnertime and homework-time. I stretch my endurance, reaching. No, the networking happens at the after-party. I stretch my life, reaching.
There will be few fruit, and the mealybugs will eventually kill the plant.
She foolishly tried to ‘have it all’. I break my heart, reaching. I haven’t seen her work. I damage my soul, reaching. No, you’re not young enough to apply. I anger.
I try again. No. I try again. No. I try again.
This time there’s not even a rejection letter.
I extend my fingers, reaching. The leaves of the plant part, trailing green marks over my skin. The mealybugs are attached to the stem and cluster near the fruit. The mealybugs repulse me with their soft, white bodies. They are draining the plant, sucking from what it needs to survive. There will be few fruit, and the mealybugs will eventually kill the plant.
No.
I extend my fingers, reaching, and crush them. Their bodies smear on my fingertips. I shudder.