Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

by Crystal Smith Paul

There are two types of people in this world, Mary: people with time to sit under the trees, looking up at the sky and pondering life”—she jostled the gold balls in her hand—“and those who end up hanging from those same trees, looking down on the life they might have had, had they been born different. You were born different, by the grace of God, so you get to choose. Choose the gold-earring life.”

“People can tell you they love you three times a day and still treat you any kind of way when it really comes down to it.”

When people don’t like themselves, it makes them mean. You understand?”

“They moved.” Hazel was puzzled. “Lillian didn’t tell you?” “No. Where?” “I don’t know.” “Aren’t they going to visit?” “What makes you think we’re that important?” Hazel chuckled. “People have lives, Mary, and everyone moves on.”

A man without a dream isn’t one worth having.

In their home, there was never a tree or Santa or even Jesus, though she was a believer.

She was battling regret—something no one could fix, especially when she denied its existence.

“I know you make a living off your looks—” “And talent.” “Yes, and talent, and I do not want to offend you, but I wonder if, as women, we’re on the verge of liberation or merely building a jail we’re willing to live in.”