Of Arachne's Complext Texts by Shelly Jones
CW: suggested suicide
Arachne: Hey Em – want to come over and weave together? You said you were going to show me that loop stitch technique.
Minerva: Hey Ari – yeah, sure. I just need to do some chores for my dad, then I’ll come over.
*****
Arachne: Did you see this video about how to keep tension in the weft? Such a cool technique!
Minerva: Oh that – yeah, that’s made the rounds before.
*****
Arachne: This knotting weave might look nice in the project you’re working on.
Minerva: Hmm, maybe. Haven’t had much time to work on that lately. So much to do.
Arachne: Yeah, saw the news. Another war, huh?
Minerva: Yeah, you know how Dad is. Duty calls. Peace!
*****
Minerva: Saw your work at the art exhibition. Where did you learn the tapestry weave?
Arachne: Oh that? It was just something I was trying.
Minerva: Why didn’t you tell me?
Arachne: What’s the big deal? I wanted to try something new.
Minerva: You should have told me.
Arachne: Told you what?
Minerva: That you were showcasing your work in that exhibition. It embarrassed me.
Arachne: My work embarrassed you?
Minerva: You showed me up. My dad saw what you did.
Arachne: What’s your dad have to do with it?
Minerva: He expects *me* to be the best.
Arachne: I’m sorry your dad puts so much pressure on you.
Minerva: That’s not what this is about.
Arachne: Then what’s it about? Your own insecurity? Are you such a bad friend that you can’t be supportive of me? Of my work?
Minerva: Your work? Who taught you how to weave? Me.
Arachne: So? Why aren’t you happy for me? I won first prize in the exhibition.
Minerva: For that shit? Your stitches were too loose, too tight. All over the place.
Arachne: You’re just jealous. Afraid of your dad.
Minerva: You should be afraid of me.
Arachne: What?
Minerva: I’m coming over there and ripping out all of those stitches you call art.
Arachne: Stay away from me. I’m blocking you.
Minerva: text message unable to send
Minerva: text message unable to send
Minerva: text message unable to send
911 Call: What is your emergency?
Minerva: She isn’t breathing. I didn’t do it. I didn’t do anything. She was like this when I got here. Oh god, oh god. I didn’t mean for this to happen. Oh god. Please send help.