In the Dream House

For Halloween, Machado’s partner visits her in Iowa City to attend a Halloween party with Machado’s colleagues in her MFA program. The partner has chosen to be a Dalek from the television show Doctor Who despite never watching the show. Machado herself will be a Weeping Angel, another malevolent Doctor Who figure who tries to send humans into the past and prey on their life force in the present. On the night of the party, Machado’s partner has not yet finished constructing her costume when she decides to cook an elaborate dinner. They begin to run out of time and Machado’s partner blames her for already ruining the night.

At the party, Machado’s partner drinks heavily, fails to socialize with Machado’s friends, and becomes frustrated that no one understands her costume. They leave early, walking back home as Machado’s partner yells and continues to verbally abuse her for bringing her to the party.

This chapter explores the domestic politics and constant vigilance of the partner’s emotional state when the couple lives in the Dream House. Machado is continually modulating her own behavior to keep her partner happy and avoid verbal abuse.