Delousing

How beautiful and loving— sisters picking head lice off a younger sibling! Their pointed and graceful fingernails comb pirouettes among his curls. Carressing behind the little one’s ears, the sisters’ hot breaths seem intimate, but hold still, little brother, do not move, what you feel are only exorcisms. Close your eyes and think of flower gardens; think of sunlight and soothing breezes. Breathe normally; disregard the grim procedure and the gentleness of death. The sisters crush every louse, egg, and nit, with satisfying snaps.