Angels by Grace Pub. – Nov. 1997 – Name withheld by request

It’s a hot summer day in 1934. I want to go out to play but my mother tells me to stay inside. “Stay inside and don’t go out, no matter what,” she says sternly.

I don’t understand why she won’t let me go play, but with a stern look in my direction, she leaves the house taking my siblings with her. I stand watching her and the others leave wondering why I was the one left home. “I must be in the way,” and tears begin to flow down my cheeks.

I do just what Mother said and stay inside. Standing by the window watching the children from the neighborhood playing in the street I silently shed tears. The day passes. It soon gets dark and I find there are no lights in the house. I get even…