Summary

The short story “Jellyfish” by Catherine Smith begins with the main character, Kirsty, receiving a text message from her ex-girlfriend Emily, saying she will come to collect her belongings at 10 pm. Kirsty returns to cooking and reflects on how cutting onions makes Emily cry due to the onion's defense mechanism, but she herself was never bothered by it.

Three days before, Emily tearfully confessed to having an affair with a woman named Dana for the past five months. Emily said that she planned to move out that evening, and she and Kirsty agreed on dividing their shared possessions fairly. Kirsty wanted to beg Emily to love her again and forget about Dana, but she remained silent. 

Kirsty starts packing Emily's things, feeling bitter thinking about Emily’s life with her new girlfriend. In ...