Clara Gordon

“Tell your story, and listen to someone else's.”
― Marguerite Bennett

“You tried to tell your story to people who didn't know how to listen.”
― Carmen Maria Machado, In the Dream House

“Telling stories in just one way misses the point of stories.”
― Carmen Maria Machado, In the Dream House

“But isn’t the best part of a possession story that the inflicted can do and say horrific things for which they’ll receive carte blanche forgiveness the next day? “I did what? I masturbated with a crucifix? I spit on a priest?”

That’s what you want. You want an explanation that clears her of responsibility, that permits your relationship to continue unabated. You want to be able to explain to others what she’s done without seeing horror on their faces. “But she was possessed, see.” “Oh well, that happens to everyone at one time or another, doesn’t it?”

At night, you lie next to her and watch her sleep. What is lurking inside?”
― Carmen Maria Machado, In the Dream House