Promise to Keep

by Priscilla Poole Rainwater

“What about Abby??? Your daughter, REMEMBER HER??? She’s totally out of control, she won’t listen to anything I say, and she’s crying all the time, missing her mother! “ Tears began streaming down her cheeks, and she turned away, furious at herself for allowing it to happen. His silence seemed to anger her even more, and she spun back around and began pounding on his massive chest with her tiny, balled-up fists. “You big, dumb, BARE ASSED BABOON!!!” she screamed, nearly hysterical. “I HAVE PEOPLE SAYING I’M LIVING IN SIN WITH MY BEST FRIEND’S HUSBAND! I have to go town and see them look at me like I’m some WHORE, and where are YOU? In this room drinking like a fucking fish!” You, you….don’t you know what it’s been like for ME? Or do you even CARE???? Jenny was the onl…. only family I had, NOBODY ELSE EVER CARED WHETHER I LIVED OR DIED!! You still have people that love you, you’re ignoring them and shutting them out, and I have NO ONE!”