The Jade Rat

From Memory

I fingered the rat. Jade. Beautiful. I had gotten it for Christmas. A green rat holding two chinese coins. I loved it. Especially since Mama died. It felt cool and refreshing. Suddenly, I sank down on the bed, weary. Closing my door, I sobbed and sobbed. It felt good. My salty tears fell on the rat, and it seemed to talk, to say that it felt sympathy. That it felt sad because of Mama.

Slowly, the flow of tears stopped. The last rolled down my soggy cheek and into my mouth. Salt.

I felt my hands. They were clammy and cold, yet my cheeks felt hot. I tip-toed into the bathroom, closed the door, and splashed some cold water on my face. I felt refreshed. I looked in the mirror. The red streaks were mostly gone.

Tip-toeing back to my room, I lay down on my green bed and relaxed. I placed the rat back on my display case.

It seemed to wink at me.