Mum and I are arguing about cosmetics again, about her tendency to hoard and let rot. “Look at this shampoo,” I point out. “And these face masks. All expired. What a waste of money! Why do you buy if you won’t use?” “Stop lecturing me,” she snaps. “Those dates mean nothing! We’ll repurpose everything.” She fetches the soap dispenser from the bathroom. Refills it with the shampoo. Places the face masks next to the toilet. “There,” she declares, with a toss of her head. “Maybe not for our hair and faces, but they’re good enough for our hands and behinds.”
Megha Nayar is a language coach based in India. She teaches English and French at work, and writes stories to remain sane. Follow her at meghanayar.tumblr.com, on Twitter @meghasnatter and on Instagram @meghasnayar.