The crippling

“Can I come in?”

“Yes."

“What happened?”

“Mom!”

“We need to take care of this."

“I’ll be fine.”

“You say that all the time.”

“I do. I'm fine.”

“I wish I could believe that.”

“Please place me on the bed.”

“Yes, of course."

“Am I heavy, mother?”

“Not any heavier than last week.”

“Open the blinds once you place me down.”

“There are some things that should stay in the dark.”

"Can you buy me a crimson dress like hers, mom?”

“Abby, don’t start that again. You are not her.”

“But I am so much like her mom. Don’t you see?”

“You definitely have her gift."

“Come sit on the bed with me mom. I will tell you a story.”

“I don’t like your stories, Abby."

“Don’t be afraid, mother.”

“Ok. I’m listening.”

“One rainy night in October, a young boy named Spencer ascended the stairs to the bedroom of a young woman who lay awake in her bed.. The leaves had all fallen off the trees, and the sky was black. The wind hissed and shook the naked tree branches wildly. Spencer’s footsteps weren’t silenced by the wind. They were getting closer. The young woman sat up in bed, and fixated her eyes on the door knob as it turned slowly. A large shadow appeared until she could see the figure fully enter the room and close the door quietly behind him. She didn’t move. He approached the foot of her bed, and started undressing”.

“Please stop.”

“I can’t. The story continues.”

“You must stop, Abby. You know what happens when you finish. Please lay down and go to sleep."

“Sleep is for those who don’t dream, or see like I do. Mom, stay with me.”

“I won’t go.”

“I knew that already. You will though, once I’m asleep. Please don’t cry tonight mom.”

“I can’t make you any promises."

“I knew that too. I’ve seen it. Come. Do you like it when I hold you?”

“Yes, I do.”

“I know, but you don't like my gift. I won't finish my story, mom.”