ANOTHER DAY - ANOTHER BATTLE  (D)

Margaret Pearce

"I'm going on a diet," my daughter announced as she came in from school.

She drifted over to the fruit bowl, peeled a banana and ate it. After she put the banana skin in the pedal bin she cut a slice of the freshly made cheesecake.

"I have an awful figure," she complained through her first mouthful.

I remained silent and removed the cheesecake from temptation.

"Is milk fattening?"

She drifted closer to the refrigerator and opened the door to peer in. She poured out a large glass of milk and stirred in the chocolate flavouring with a heavy hand.

"Anyhow, to start my diet, I'm not having any dinner."

"Nothing at all?"

"Well, perhaps I'll have a bowl of soup."

I handed over the bread with the soup. She buttered three slices.

"Other people don't have to give up eating. Why have I got such a lousy figure?"

"It looks quite normal to me."

The dedicated martyr to starvation watched as I dished up for the family, only one plate short.

"Perhaps I could have a small plate of dinner in front of telly. I do love chicken and pineapple."

"Is it less fattening in front of telly?"

She didn't bother to answer, and piled her plate high.

"I don't suppose you want any chocolate pudding for dessert?" I asked a bit later, removing the scraped clean plate.

"Just a small helping." An aggrieved note came into her voice "Remember I'm on a diet, Mum."

She ate a small helping of chocolate pudding. There was a thoughtful silence as she noted how much was still left in the bowl. She absently finished the remainder.

"What about a hand with the dishes?"

This request triggered instant resentment.

"Gee, Mum! Why do I have to help when I'm not eating around the place? I'm not the one dirtying all the dishes!"

©  Margaret Pearce