THE EIGHTH GIRL by Maxine Mei-Fung Chung

Alexa (23 years old) and her Psychiatrist

“-It’s important to listen to all of the Voices, I say. 
It doesn’t mean you have to act on what they say. But pushing them aside only makes them stronger.”
I watch her throat swallow.
“-When you’re ready, I say cautiously, you could try introducing me to everyone inside.”
She reaches into her purse again.
“-I’m scared”, she says, smoothing on lip balm.
I lean forward a little farther.
“-Listening to everyone means acceptance of your whole self, Alexa.
Not just cherry-picking the good parts accepted by others.”
Her gaze return to me slowly.
I sit up straighter and smile.
“-Tell me about the Voices.”
She pauses, a striking expression of unknown freedom on her face.
Fear and relief all at once.
I watch the rise and fall of her breath. A zing of anticipation in my own chest.
“-Yesterday, she begins slowly, her voice shaking at the edge, we were all cleaning my bedroom.
Only Dolly, the youngest, showed any kind of enthusiasm. The rest just mooned about, kicking their heels and complaining about wanting to be someplace else. 
Oneroi fancied yoga and Runner had ideas about some kickboxing class.
And the Fouls, well, they just stayed inside. They want no part in anything we do these days. 
None of them seem to realize how exhausted I am.”
She raises her head to check my response and laughs softly. 
“-Thank you”, I say. It’s good to finally meet you all.”

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“Ask anyone with multiple personalities why they’re so conflicted and they’ll tell you it’s because they compartmentalize their feelings.”

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Alexa (9 years old) and her Father

“-Be a good girl”, my father says. “This is what all daddies do when mummies go to heaven.”

Why is he doing this? Is this really what all daddies do when mummies go to heaven? I don’t know.
His release comes quickly, the sticky mess pouring down my nonvirginal thighs.
Suddenly, another girl joins me. She smiles and straightaway I can see she looks just like me. Same eyes, same hair, same nose. Same face shape.

“-I’m Dolly”, she says, stroking my head. 
“-Don’t cry, it’ll be over soon. Promise. Just close your eyes.”

Kindle, 2021