The '90s didn't end at the end of the '90s. It was too soon at the time, and they've felt near-distant-near in the years since.
The '90s actually end when your parents die.
There's a medical room waiting for you, where they will stay ruthlessly awake - sometimes alongside you in the palliative space, but mostly talking to and at some scene only their misfiring headspace can experience.
They talk at and about you as you were, as they look sideways at you as you are. They can't return smiles, but they can smile. They worry and you can't comfort them. But then they stop worrying anyway. Brain soup is all.
Why would you hold on to 1997 rather than 2012? Why do you follow my hand round the room? Why can't I lip read?
It doesn't even hurt. Lady next door is worse.
I think I prefer it when your eyes are closed now.
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