Nothing Untoward

In my middle age, after a few years of not having seen my parents, I walked into their home with my usual confidence, not yet having been trounced back down into my usual lowly position. My father took one look at me and gasped with horror, "She remembers!"

What the Hades was that about? I remember nothing untoward in his behavior toward me. I remember nothing more than a general distancing and occasional pleasant interactions. My trustworthy gut tells me that I like him and I can find no memories to justify his response. So what is it that he feared that I would remember? I did not ask because I did not want to embarrass him and anyway I knew that he would not tell. He has taken that puzzle with him to the grave. I loved my father.

Nothing Untoward Puzzle

animation and still image by Annmarie Throckmorton 2021