My Grandmothers Eight Legs

Abbi Downer April 2024

"My grandmother was like a lamp. Her very presence would warm a room and invite you to sit next to her on the green armchair. When my grandmother was around it always meant time spent together, sweet remarks, and always a cup of tea."

"They were riddled with daddy-long-leg spiders who took the opportunity of a dark small space uncalled for. I never understood how she could live with so many creepy spiders inhabiting her home. The bathroom was the place they seemed to like the best. I couldn’t help but feel itchy after noticing them dangling over me while I washed my hands. I felt so vulnerable like they were going to drop on me."

“What’s the trip?” “It’s something I did a long time ago, maybe twenty years now. I thought maybe we could go on a canoeing trip together, once school gets out. Maybe that weekend right after?” Truthfully, the last place I want to be the first weekend of summer break is in a canoe. The more I contemplate it, the more I’m on board, though. Maybe this would mend the weird awkwardness between my mother and I. Maybe then she will want to clean out grandmother’s house.

"“That sounds nice,” I respond politely. My mother takes this as her cue to leave my room. Despite our conversation, she shuts the door harshley behind her. My guilt returns, and I reach to take my first sip of coffee."