Sarah Z. Creates

Writing prompt from a recent writers group I attended: “Parents are the bones on which children sharpen their teeth.” – Peter Ustinov

Grace was born a vampire. And not because she sucked all the energy and enthusiasm from my ambitions. But because of her sharp little teeth.

Most kids are born toothless – gummy jaws that yaw full of wails. But not Grace. She had all the wails, obviously, but she had the teeth, too. A full set, sharp and cruel and edged with pain.

I named her Grace in hope, I think, that together she and I could find some. ‘That’s so like you,’ the voice of my mom, whom I missed even though her words were often sharper than Grace’s teeth, ‘always being so POSITIVE.’

If only she knew. I’m not positive. Or rather – I am. I’m positive that Grace is not right. Or that I’m crazy. Or maybe it’s both.

’Cause Grace didn’t get her teeth from her daddy.