Page 26 - Contrast1989

CONTRAsT 1989

Another Generation
By Stacy Spielman

There is no light in the room. You can
hear the Wind whistling through the crack in the
Window. The rain is pounding on the roof like
an Indian on a drum. The room is very cold and
damp. It feels like a coffln or a tomb.

With a roartng thunder, the room is briefly
lit by the bright flash of lightning shining

through the Window. Hiding in a comer, only
visible dUring flashes, is JUlie. She sits with her
knees pressed tight against her chest and her
arms locked about her legs. Her eyes are puffy
and bloodshot With tears streaming from them.
The tears reach the comer of her mouth and mix
With the blood which is dripping down her chin.
Every inch of her body is trembling in fear.

She is startled by someone pounding on
the bedroom door.

"Go away"" Cries Julie.

"JUlie," says a woman behind the door.
"Julie, please open the door and let me in."

to "Stay away from me" I don't want to talk
youl!"

"Julie, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have exploded
like that. I...I didn't mean to hit you. I'm sorry.
Will you please open the door?"

JUlie slowly stands and staggers to the
door. As she opens it, the woman charges the

door thrOWing JUlie across the room. She stopS
in the doorway. She is about 38 but appears
much older. There are bags hanging from her
eyes and her breath smells of alcohol. She holds
a half empty bottle of vodka in her hand. "You
bitch'" she yells.

"Momma stopt''

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