Fugue

From out of the fugue state into which she had drifted, or had pretended to after making that innocent baby cry, Shirley Jones turned to face her daughter-in-law, who was driving her to Dr. Fillmore's office for a routine checkup.  Did you just now call me batshit?  Did I?  That's what I'm asking, because I'm not sure what you think I've done to deserve your disrespect but perhaps if I had a better idea we might work it out together.  We've had our differences I know but you are my only son's wife and I think it counter-productive to a harmony I'm sure we both desire if one of us is calling the other names.  Janice glanced over at Mrs. Jones and briefly studied her eyes, just to gauge which Mrs. Jones she was speaking to.  It could be the sane one.  There was not exactly that telling glint of evil in her eye, but she had been fooled before, set up to believe she was conversing with the kind hearted mother-in-law only to be sucker punched with Shirley's uniquely sinister vitriol.  I might have called you batshit just now Shirley.  I don't know.  I was beside myself after what you said to that baby.  A baby?  Where is there a baby?  Oh, I know it's no one's fault but I so wish you and Jimmy had given me a grand-child to enjoy in these my last years.  Last years my foot, Shirley.  You are going to live forever. Do you really think so?  I don't feel so spry anymore.  None of us feel spry Mother Jones.  There was no more talk of the baby.  A few minutes later they arrived at the office of Dr. Fillmore, located in a small strip center between Pesaro's Pizza and the SaveMore Discount store, just off the Parkway before Sunrise Highway.