The Tantrum

Dec 12, 1992

TRIGGER

Celebrating Christmas with Fodder’s extended family, on his father’s side.

ECO

Fodder recalls an early childhood memory. After a long day of Christmas celebration with his family - cousins, aunts/uncles, grandparents - his mother would tell him and his brother that it was time to leave.

Making his way to his grandparent’s foyer, Fodder remembers sitting on the floor to put on his shoes. He must have been young, because he remembers the velcro laces.

It was then that the two brothers heard a commotion from the main living room, where most of the family still lounged.

“Why do you always make fun of me!” screamed mother, who had suddenly transformed into the White Queen. “Why are you so mean to me?”

“Marigold, we didn’t mean to upset you. We were just poking fun,” Fodder’s grandmother would say.

But the damage was done. The Queen was in tears. She was stomping her feet. She was throwing a tantrum, and no amount of consolation would slow her down. The family tried, but they were powerless to calm her. She was a wrecking-ball of emotions.

This continued for quite some time. Fodder remembers sitting in the foyer for at least an hour, listening to the fight, not daring to move from the floor where he sat.

Even at that age, it was apparent to him that the Queen was overreacting. He remembers the feeling of embarrassment for her.

It would take many years for Fodder to realize that she was, essentially, still a child in that moment. She was so young then.

And nobody had ever taught her how to deal with her emotions.

CAT

data.stats.symptoms [
    - concern
    - embarrassment
]

ECHO

The road to the grave is straight as an arrow

I’m just staying around to sing your song, baby

— from Katatonia - “Lacquer”