Skin a Rabbit

The excerpt from *Sleep* by Honor Jones explores the tension between Margaret’s strict adherence to family ideals and her son’s carefree approach, highlighting themes of family dynamics, conflict resolution, and self-preservation. As their relationship fractures due to differing views on appearances versus substance, Margaret’s protective actions, like saving and throwing the kids into the pool, symbolize both resilience and resistance to unfair expectations. The story also underscores the complexity of human relationships, where inner strength and autonomy often lie hidden behind societal norms or expectations.