Member-only story
Vignettes — #16
Ilsa & Miriam
Miriam is visiting the dementia ward at the aged care facility where she lives. She is sitting in an armchair, half facing a slightly older woman who has a collection of stuffed toy animals on her lap. She is stroking a white poodle-looking toy, whispering to it.
“I’ve come to say hello, Ilsa. How are you today?”
“I’m talking to my dog,” Ilsa says. “She’s hungry.” She holds the dog out towards Miriam, by its back legs. “Her name is Mim.”
Miriam nods. “That is what you used to call me, when we were young.”
Ilsa ignores this. “I’m waiting for Mutti and Pappa. They’re coming to fetch me and we’re going on a holiday. A long holiday.”
“Where are you going on your holiday, Ilsa?”
“We’re going to Australia. That’s far away.”
“We’re in Australia now,” Miriam says.
Ilsa looks confused. “No, we can’t be. This is Celle.” She pronounces it ‘Tseller’. “This is Tante Mina’s house. Marcus and I came here because of the bombs. The bombs have stopped now and Mutti and Pappa are coming and we’re all going … we’re going to … somewhere.”
She cuddles her toy dog in a tight embrace. Suddenly she throws it across the room. “Naughty doggy!” She turns to Miriam. “Mim bit me.”
