When they got back from the store, Jillian said, “One more thing before dinner and movies, ok?” and that’s when she sent the photo message to Megan.

Part 2

Part 2

ONE

That dog, that silly little dog (and, but, not that it was Crispy’s fault) distracted her so much. The dog wasn’t in the car, not physically, but, you know, Crispy’s essence was in the car. The thought of Crispy, thinking about all the things Crispy needed. She was on the way to pick up a discounted crate from someone ten miles away, and the crate came with a pillow and it was in very good condition, according to the description online.

The crate would be 40, and she could go get bulk food at Aldi and not buy any lunch at the cafeteria and she could afford it. That’s what she was thinking about when she ran the red light. It was yellow when her nose was over the crosswalk, wasn’t that the law?

“Isn’t that the law?” she argued.

“Ma’am, step out of the car,” he said because she said she didn’t have her license.

“Ok, but I’m sorry, it’s the law isn’t it?” Because she really did have her license, it was just that, you know.

Trembling, she handed it to him, hoping he wouldn’t have some kind of machine that would get her in trouble. He raised his eyebrows and walked back to his car. Oh my god. The machine that would get her in trouble was surely in his car.

“Step out of the car please, ma’am.”

“But, I gave you my license. I don’t have to get out of the car.”

Why do they always fight it, these silly little mothers with their shit-filled cars and that frantic look in their eyes that made you—whether you were the type or not—want to smack them?

“Ma’am, I’m not asking,” said the officer.

She exited the vehicle. The officer put his hand on his weapon, leaned back on his heel, and dared her, silently, to go ahead and try it, whatever it was.

“So, I don’t see what the problem is. I’m just on my way home from work and I have to pick up my child. I was just going to get a crate for my new puppy.” She said this like it was a threat. She looked at him like she hated him and needed him and that was the push he needed to detach. Floating free there, free from compassion, he  smiled.

Why is he smiling? Her feelings, which were ricocheting, strengthened. They didn’t define themselves, but they strengthened.

They always try to make you feel like you’re getting in the way of them doing something more important, as if there’s anything more important to an officer of the law than enforcing the law.