Pavlova

8-27-23

I don’t like living with my in-laws. It’s kind of a toxic environment. Marie’s dad is a fine guy, but her mom is off the rails. She definitely has a personality disorder. And, if not that, is just such a vehemently unhappy person she can’t stand to see other people enjoying themselves.

There’s too much to go into now, and I’ve been making the active choice not to dwell on it too much. Here’s an instance, though: after we were finished eating dinner I was getting Amelia a slice of the pavlova we made together. It was alright. We had never made one before but I enjoyed trying something new with her, especially since I see her significantly less than I used to. While she was eating and I was washing dishes Marie’s mom came out yelling about who used all the towels in the downstairs bathroom.

A couple notes: they’re not towels, they’re washcloths. There is a hand towel hanging on a ring but that’s for guests only. What guests? Your guess is as good as mine. Marie’s younger sister just went off to college which means her boyfriend—the only fucking visitor—doesn’t come by anymore. Another note: we’ve had our asses chewed out by her because we didn’t use the towels right, or clean up properly, enough times that we don’t fucking touch whatever we’re not allowed to. Finally: the towels she claimed were used and rolled back up were folded exactly how she folds them. Her rationale that they were used was because they were “wet” and “felt hard,” but when Marie check them they were dry.

She just wanted to pick a fight because we weren’t enthused to see Marie’s half-sister over FaceTime. Marie doesn’t like her because of a lot of history, but the most recent being her half-sister was shit talking me and accidentally sent those messages to Marie. I don’t like her because she’s kinda annoying but also because she talks shit behind my back.

Anyway it just kinda sucks. Marie’s mom isn’t always bad, but when she’s in a mood it’s like “let’s get the fuck out of here,” which is miserable as all shit.

Beyond that the pavlova was a mild success. Amelia doesn’t really like the texture, and the whipped cream came out a little bitter, but whatever. I’ll eat a bit more then toss it because Marie’s parents won’t have any. That’s ironic because they throw a fit anytime we decline their food.

Love you mom, dad, sis, kitty, Marie, Amelia, Emerson

-E.B.