I rush over to my panicked coworker with wadded napkins and apply pressure to her bloody finger. I murmur reassuringly, soothingly, “Just a little accident. I’ll patch you up,” while guiding her to the breakroom sink. The cut’s shallow. “Good news! You get to keep the finger.” I keep her giggling over something ridiculous our boss said. “There,” I fasten her bandage. “Good as new.” She coos about my care, “You'll make a wonderful mom someday.” She means it as a compliment. Her prescription of parenthood still stings. I resent how deeply the words cut. I smile politely, uncomfortably. "Thanks."
Lily Luz (they/she) loves writing romance, fantasy, and horror. Lily is currently drafting a traumantasy novel featuring queer and neurodivergent leads. Bluesky & Substack @lilyluz Instagram: @lilyluzmotherofstories “She Means Well” is the Editor’s Pick for our CARE contest, part of our 2026 Micromemoir Marathon.