“Where do you want to eat?” Naomi asked. She sat on her mother’s couch as the older woman got ready. Her mom’s chihuahua, Princess, wandered from room to room as if searching for something.

“I don’t know,” her mother called from the bedroom. “Wherever you want.”

“What do you feel like eating?” Naomi pressed. “Chicken? Steak? Fish?”

“God damn it,” her mother said. “I can’t find my earrings.”

Princess brought a chew toy to Naomi and wagged her tail. Naomi threw the toy and the dog bounded off to fetch it.

“I can’t believe these fucking earrings are gone!” Her mother stalked out, almost tripping over Princess. “You stupid dog!” she screamed. “Do you fucking want me to kill you!”

“It was an accident,” Naomi said. “Relax.”

“Don’t tell me to fucking relax!”

Princess had made a dash for the couch and was now curled up on Naomi’s lap, licking the air.

“Just put on different earrings and let’s go,” Naomi said.

“No,” her mother replied. “You know what, I don’t need this shit. I’m not even hungry anymore.”