Zebras and Hyenas: Episode 5
Serial Fiction
The following week, Ilsa Greenwood strode into Savanna’s room.
“What can I do for you, Savanna? Is there anything you’d like to eat that I could fix you? What do you think your body needs?”
Savanna could only stare.
“Honey, what is this no-talk thing?” Her mother’s face was tight and strained. “Will you say something? Please.”
Savanna’s voice came out cracked and rusty. “Where’s Mr. Livin’ Large?”
Her mother turned away, breathing hard for several moments. She clutched her forehead in one hand. “Don’t you play those games with me, Savanna Beatrice Shalitt.” She stormed back out to the hall, where Savanna heard her yelling at Dad: “Did you put her up to that, Noel? Are you making her hate Kirk?”
“No,” Dad said. “She does that without my help.”
“Oh, and I suppose she gets along just perfectly with your little Amaranth.”
“Amethyst. A gem, not a grain.”
“Such a ridiculous — ”
“As you may recall,” Dad said gently, “I did not leave you for Amethyst. This may make a difference to Savanna.”
“Some little street musician barely out of high school, what a great — ”
