Teddy

"Why you cryin', boy?"

"Mama, it's my birthday. You said you wasn't gonna drink today. For me. You said we was gonna go to the park. You, me and Dani. You promised, mama."

"Don't you be tellin' me what I said, boy."

"Ooooow!"

"Now see what you done, boy! Made me hit your sister with that glass. I'm gonna beat you boy! Making your sista' cry like that."

"But mama...Mama! Don't!"

"I hate you, boy! You hear me! I hate you! You ain't nothin' and ain't never gonna be nothin'! It's your fault we stuck in this dirty piece of shit hole. Weren't for you, I'd be a famous movie star by now. I'd be somebody...Why the hell we gonna celebrate your sorry ass coming into this world. You ain't been nothin' but trouble since you was born."

"Mama! Please! Stop! Mama!"

****

"Well, go on then. Get up. Change your clothes and put something clean on your sister. We best be going to the park while it’s still light out."

"Boy? You hear me, boy?"

"He's not moving, mama."

"Boy, stop your playing. You better get on up off that floor now if you wanna be going to that park for your birthday."

"Boy?"

"Mama?"

"Yes, baby?"

"Teddy is bloodin'."

"Oh baby. What I gone and done? What I gone and done?"