Mommy’s on the phone.
Jessica’s in her playpen.
No one’s watching.
I know I’m not supposed to,
But Mommy has so much fun stuff
In her purse.
I settle my small body
Under the dining room table
Between the chair legs.
I open the purse.
Plastic cards,
Silver coins,
A blue pen.
Mommy’s still on the phone
Jabbering to Grandma?
Kleenex,
Lipstick,
Lipstick,
Lipstick.
I want to look pretty.
I want to look like Mommy.
Jessica’s crying.
Mommy hangs up, but I don’t notice.
I want to look pretty like Mommy.
Footsteps.
Uh-oh.
She’s coming.
“Kate!!”
I looked too funny for her to be mad.