A Head Full of Ghosts

Dad usually drives Merry to soccer practice, but Mom drives her one afternoon. Merry can tell she is exasperating her mother. She prods Mom for information anyway, trying to determine why there has been a switch. Mom explains that Marjorie’s last appointment hadn’t gone well, and that Marjorie’s doctor suggested that Dad attend the next session. Merry does not understand Dr. Hamilton’s role as Marjorie’s psychiatrist, and resents the feeling that she is being left out of what is happening with her sister.

Merry acknowledges that she knew in the moment she was betraying her sister. In the interest of gaining information, she manipulates her mother by confessing that Marjorie has been acting strange. She tells her everything Marjorie had said and embellishes the vines story, saying that Marjorie told Merry that the vines would attack her on the soccer field. Mom asks Merry to continue confiding in her, and Merry begs Mom not to tell Marjorie what Merry has shared.

Mom takes out a notebook she has been using to document Marjorie’s behavior for Dr. Hamilton. Merry reaches for it and Mom, frustrated, asks how many times Merry has to be told to respect others’ property. Mom tries to reassure Merry that everything will be fine because Marjorie is getting excellent care, and asks Merry to be especially patient and kind with Marjorie.