I watch for the culture—
back in my day
we didn’t have all these TV shows
with queer or nonbinary characters.
In college, I had to jam into a tiny apartment
with every queer on campus
so I could watch a new episode
each week.
Showtime was expensive as hell
so we all chipped in and it was like
a whole family night event.
Oh, the drama! It was amazing. I sure do miss that.
I nod, because I know she does.
I also know that she stopped waiting for Mom
to watch the new episodes of Gen Q
because Mom was too busy.
What used to be their TV time together
had somehow turned into Mama’s solo TV time.
I feel a stab of guilt
that I’m not going to be home to join her.
Now don’t worry about me.
Mama Alice seems to read my mind.
I’m fine. You have fun with Lyric.
In fact
you should ask her what she’s doing
on Christmas Eve!
She’s more than welcome to spend it
with us if she doesn’t have plans.
Really? I don’t know.
That might be—I don’t know. Too much?
