Hiding Out

ELIZA, an elderly woman on the brink of 90 years of age, is filling a tea kettle with water from the faucet. At the tiny dining table, ELIZA’s husband, GABE, sits, face pressed to the newspaper that dominates the table. THOMAS, a young, college-aged man, sits opposite the old man, hungrily devouring a plate of eggs.

Eliza

Oh, Tommy! I’m so glad you’re back from school. You don’t know how hard it is for your father and I while you’re gone…

Gabe

What your Grandmother means, kiddo, is that we’re gettin’ on in years, and it’s hard to get shit done around the house with a strong pair of legs.

Thomas

(Through mouthfuls of egg) Yeah, sure…

Eliza

Tommy, dear, how do you like your tea?

Thomas

(Mumbles incomprehensibly)

Eliza

Okay, dear….

Gabe

Would ya look at this rubbish? (Folds over newspaper and shoves it at Thomas, who knocks his plate off the table)

Eliza

(Turns around at sound of plate hitting the floor) Oh, Thomas, dear! You’re back! How are you, my boy? (She shambles over to give him a hug)

Gabe

Dammit Lizzy, ya dumb bitch! Why don’t ya watch where you’re going? Knocking shit all around the kitchen…

Thomas

(Ignoring the spilled plate, and reading aloud from the paper) “Escaped Convict Still at Large: Police still on the lookout for this man…(He holds up paper, and we see there is a square cut out of it).

Eliza

Honey, I found a coupon for cat food in the paper this morning. I figured we could afford to get Tybalt some Fancy Feast this time around…

Thomas

I killed your cat on the way in.

Gabe

And the police can’t even find that damn murderer. There’s some rapist out in our neighborhood. They’re comin’ for me, I tell ya! Damn Nazi sons of bitches….

Eliza

(The tea kettle starts whistling) Oh! Tea’s on! (She turns to stove)

Thomas

I did it on purpose too. Fuckin’ cat tried to scratch me.

Gabe

Dammit, Lizzie, when’s that damn kid getting’ back with the milk?

Eliza

Gabriel, darling, who are you—Tommy! My sweet baby boy! You’re back! (She shambles over and gives THOMAS a big smooch on the cheek). How was the war, dear?

Gabe

Viet-fucking-nam! I tell ya, those bastards shoulda been nuked like the damn Japs.

Thomas

(Walks over to counter, and begins to pour milk into a cat dish) I twisted his little head till his neck snapped. Such a fragile creature.

Eliza

Aaron, dear (addressing THOMAS), where’s your brother Robert?

Thomas

He’s dead, Eliza. Like your cat.

Eliza

Oh dear.

Gabe

Yes, dear?

Eliza

Not you dear. I’m afraid I can’t find the cat.

Gabe

Oh, dear…

Eliza

Yes, dear?

Gabe

I believe the cat has run away

Thomas

Yeah. That’s it. Your cat ran off.

Eliza

Oh, Tommy! You’re here! Do you suppose you can take the cat for a walk?

Thomas

Walked right into my twisting hands…

Gabe

Hey, kiddo! I ever tell you the story ‘bout that guy I killed in the great war? (Thomas’s phone begins to buzz on the table) MOTHERFUCKING WITCHCRAFT! (He tips backward in his chair, and lies motionless on the floor).

Eliza

How do you like your tea dear?

Thomas

I think he’s still breathing…

Eliza

Though that’s a really rather silly sort of question to ask, considering we don’t have any tea here…

Thomas

Ya know, I could finish him off for ya. Get ya a nice lump of insurance for his rotting ass… (His phone continues to buzz)

Eliza

Here you go dear (She shambles to her husband, still lying motionless, and dumps a mug of water on him. He remains motionless.) Allen? Where’s your brother at? (Phone buzzes). Oh! He must be mowing the lawn.

Thomas

Lawnmower was how we got rid of your filthy dog, too. (He picks up the phone). What? (Pause) Yeah, of course. (Pause) Yeah, just picking on some old people. (Pause) Well, it’s my great grandma. (Pause) Alzhiemer's or dementia or something. (Pause) Yeah, it’s great. I think the old man just croaked…

Eliza

Tommy, did you feed the iguana today?

Thomas

Yeah, it’s a great place to hide out for now. (Pause). Yeah, don’t think they’ll get me here. (Pause). Yeah, see ya soon. (He hangs up phone).

Eliza

Aaron dear, go tell your brother that your granddad is taking his nap.

Thomas

Yeah, sure (He sits the bowl of milk beside GABE). Drink up. (He exits)

Eliza

(Starts petting the tea kettle) Oh Tybalt… It’s been so lonely around here since Tommy left for school, and Gabe went off to fight in the war. But I guess it’s just you and me now, little kitty! 

Sins of the Father: A Play in Two Scenes

Scene One

(FATHER DANIEL’s office. Windowless. A large wooden desk dominates the room. A large crucifix hangs on the wall behind the desk and chair. OLIVIA walks in, straightens her dress, and sits in a chair before the desk. DANIEL sits behind desk, hands together, templed. DELILAH stands beside the father, bible cradled in her hands. The atmosphere should be inviting and pleasant.)

Olivia

Father, I’m so glad you invited me here today! Everyone has been so kind to me since I came here…

Daniel

Now, now Olivia! The church welcomes all of those who are willing to open their hearts and minds to God. (He smiles). We hope that you will be joining us more often.

Olivia

Why thank you, Father. I’m so thankful your community has accepted me with open arms. I didn’t come from the best place before I came here, and it means so much to have a church family welcome me in.

Delilah

So, I understand that you will be taking the new teaching position at St. David’s?

Olivia

Why, yes, Miss—

Delilah

Delilah. And if you stick around long enough, you’ll learn that news travels fast around here. We’re quite a close-knit community, but I’m sure that you’ll fit in nicely here.

Olivia

Oh? Well I’m quite glad to hear that! You know, not all communities are ready—

Delilah

Of course, you should know that St. David’s has a dress code. (She looks over her glasses disapprovingly at OLIVIA’s slightly revealing neckline.)

Olivia

(Reaching to her neckline) Oh, of course. Sorry about this…It was short notice and I—

Daniel

Don’t you worry, dear. (He crosses around desk and hands her a small box)

Olivia

(opening box to reveal a cross pendant necklace) Oh, Father, I couldn’t possibly—

Daniel

No, no, dear. I insist! (He moves in close to wrap the necklace gentle around her neck. Her takes extra care while latching the lock, and then lifting her hair from beneath the chain. DELILAH grips bible tighter.)

Olivia

Well, thank you so much!  

Delilah

(Through her teeth) What a…pleasant gesture, Daniel….

Daniel

Just a token for a new daughter of Christ, Del. You’ve had yours too, remember?

Delilah

(Looks down at her silver cross bracelet) Of course, Father Daniel.

Daniel

(Laughing) Besides, we want her to look the part, don’t we!

Olivia

Look the part, sir—Father?

Delilah

(Perking back up) As I said before, our community is rather tight. We get along well because none of us argue, right Father Daniel?

Daniel

Of course, Del. And what do we have to argue about? God has graced us with our secluded valley-town! Here we are free to follow His teachings with little interference from the evils outside.

Olivia

(Looking uneasy) Well it was certainly a pleasure to meet you finally. I cannot wait for your sermon on Sunday! (She stands to leave, grabbing her coat)

Daniel

Before you go, there is one thing we might ask of you….

Olivia

Yes, Father?

Delilah

St. David’s, although it’s a public school is a very…Conservative environment.

Olivia

What do you mean?

Daniel

What she means, is that—in the past—we’ve found that a Christian education is often the best approach the teaching the children of our community. Del?

Delilah

(Handing a file folder to OLIVIA) This is a copy of the lesson plans our last teacher used. They’ve held strong for a long time.

Daniel

We would be delighted to have you consider them when teaching your classes.

Olivia

Uh…Certainly. I’ll look them over later. Thank you…. (uncomfortable pause) I’ll just—(She motions to leave, and moves toward the door)

Delilah

(Catching OLIVIA as she takes a step out of the door) Oh, Miss Newberry!

Olivia

(Bouncing back in) Yes?

Delilah

You never told us where you were from…

Olivia

Oh, that… Just another little town. You’ve probably never heard of it.

Delilah

Of course. Have a bright day.

Daniel

And may the Lord be with you always!

Olivia

(Smiles, then exits)

Delilah

I don’t like her. There’s something she’s not telling us.

Daniel

Now, now, Delilah! Everyone is entitled to their secrets. It’s surely nothing serious. A smart, attractive young lady like her is just the sort of new face we need around here. (He moves behind desk and picks up a framed painting, moving to put it on wall behind the chair OLIVIA was sitting in)

Delilah

Yes, but what if she is hiding something?

Daniel

(Hanging the painting on the wall. We can see that it is a copy of Raphael’s Crucifixion) Then the Lord will surely shed light on it. Believe me Delilah, she will be a wonderful addition to our family.

Delilah

(Mutters under her breath)

Daniel

What was that?

Delilah

Your painting’s crooked. (she exits.)

Daniel

(Inspects the painting. Straightens it. Then moves to desk, and sits in his chair. LIGHTS)

Scene Two

(Same location and set up as before. All actors in same places from beginning. The atmosphere should be the opposite, however. Uninviting, awkward, heavy. Delilah is clenching her bible now, rather than cradling it. Daniel’s demeanor is one of disappointment. Olivia, now dressed more modestly, looks as uncomfortable as the scene.)

Olivia

Father, I don’t understand why I’m here. I don’t understand why anyone would say such terrible things about me. Especially since everyone was so warm and welcoming since I came here…

Daniel

Calm now, Olivia. I am sure we can get to the bottom of this in a civilized manner. The truth of the matter is, though, that the church takes accusations of this kind very seriously.

Delilah

Olivia Newberry: You have been accused of entering the house of our Lord under false pretenses, of corrupting the minds of the innocent and of being a practicing witch.

Olivia

(Jumping from chair) Of what? That’s absu—

Delilah

(Interrupting) In light of these accusations (glaring at OLIVIA), you are being formally asked to leave the church immediately.

Olivia

Father! This is absurd! Witchcraft? Corrupting the innocent? You can’t possibly believe this slander?

Daniel

Olivia, please. Do not embarrass yourself. The accusation was filed anonymously after mass last week, and has since been investigated.

Olivia

Investigated? What do you mean investigated?

Daniel

(Motions to DELILAH) Del?

Olivia

(Watches, puzzled, as DELILAH exits. Turns back on DANIEL. In a low voice…) Daniel! What is all of this? Why are you doing this to me?

Daniel

(Avoiding eye contact) I have done nothing, Olive. All that happens here is by the grace of our Lord God…

Olivia

(Slams fists against desk) That’s bullshit, Dan, and you know it! How dare you pull that on me! After the dinners we shared? I’ve been keeping your secret for you all this time! You told me that what happened that night was an accident. An uncontrollable urge, and that you repented. And I accepted your apology! I believed you were good. And honest.

Daniel

I do not know what you are talking about Olivia. (Levels his gaze at her, finally meeting her eyes). And neither would anyone else. You are new here, and I am a respected church figure. I’m truly sorry that it had to turn out this way, but you’ve become, how shall I put this…a liability to the organization. We can’t have that now, can we?

Olivia

(eyes wide, not sure what to say) But…but—

Daniel

(Standing) But, nothing. Believe me, if I could have it another way, I would. I would choose you. But, alas, our Lord does not will our union, and so you must leave. There are higher powers at work here, but I have faith that the Lord Almighty will shed light on your ordeal.

Olivia

(sits, shaking her head) I can’t believe this… There’s no way you can prove any of that!

Daniel

(sits. Temples hands again) We shall see.

Delilah

(Enters carrying a cardboard box) I’m back, Father. Here it is.

Daniel

Thank you Del. (Pulls a book from the box. He does this with each title mentioned) Bridge to Terebithia, The Golden Compass, 1984, Brave New World, Farenheit 451. (shakes head) I believe these are all books that you are teaching in your classes, correct?

Olivia

Well yes, Father, but I don’t see what that has anything to do with—

Daniel

(Opening Farenheit 451 to a random page) “Go home and think of your first husband divorced and your second husband killed in a jet and your third husband blowing his brains out, go home and think of the dozen abortions you've had, go home and think of that and your damn Caesarian sections…” and it goes on! You’re subjecting youths to this type of reading?

Olivia

Daniel, please—

Delilah

(Stepping forward, aggressively) That’s “father” to you, charlatan! (OLIVIA jumps from chair, ready to hit DELILAH)

Daniel

(Also jumping from chair) Ladies! Calm yourselves! (OLIVIA returns to her seat. DELILAH give a smirk, straightens dress, then steps back to desk). Now, Olivia. When you came here and took over for our dearly departed Miss Johnson, it was understood that you would not be making any changes to the syllabus.

Olivia

Daniel—Father… The reading list that Miss Johnson taught consisted entirely of Christian-based texts. I mean, she even had The Bible itself on the reading list.

Delilah

(failing to see her point) What’s your point? That list has stood strong for over 40 years while Miss Johnson taught. I read those self-same books when she taught me!

Olivia

My point, “Del”, is that there is a very clear standard that is put in place by the government for the type of books to be taught in public schools. Church and state are to have a clearly defined line, and clearly the ignorance of the law here has been overlooked for far too long! Plus, there are the standards of learning tests that require the students’ basic knowledge of non-Christian themes!

Delilah

More like Anti-Christian themes! Pullman? Huxley? Orwell? Anyone reading these abominations should be afraid for their immortal souls, not their school grades!

Olivia

But these students need to learn to think, not—

Daniel

Ladies, please! The subject is not up for debate. The church’s stance on this matter is to strictly forbid these books. Indeed, God-fearing men should be wary of them, but the church has deemed each of these titles inappropriate for school-aged children.

Olivia

(speechless)

Daniel

Shall we move on then? (Olivia shakes head, still speechless) Alright then. (Pulls a file-folder from the box and hands it to DELILAH who shoves it to OLIVIA) Now, can you explain what this is?

Olivia

(Opening file, her eyes widen as she looks over the contents) How did…how did you find this?

Delilah

(Smug look on face) The church takes accusations like this very seriously. A proper investigation must be performed in order to ensure there are no mix-ups.

Olivia

But this was in my house… (understanding) This was in my house! You went into my house?!

Delilah

Like I said, the church takes accusations like this very—

Olivia

(Stands angrily) You broke into my house? You broke into my house! You actually broke into my house! How dare you, what gives you the right?

Daniel

Olivia, you live in Church-owned property. Please calm yourself. (stares until she sits). I sent Delilah to investigate your home earlier today. I wanted to find something that would protect you, but I’m afraid to say that I was disappointed.

Delilah

(Snatching file from OLIVIA) Care to explain—

Olivia

(Jumping after her) Give that back!

Delilah

(yanks it out of reach, and continues) Care to explain these? (she sets several photographs on the desk, and slides them across to OLIVIA)

Olivia

(Looks at them in silence, before turning away) That’s Jenna…

Delilah

And who, exactly, is “Jenna”?

Olivia

(Tearing up, but seeing no way to avoid the question, answers) She was my wife.

Delilah

Oh really now (smiling, and gloating). Your wife, you say?

Olivia

(turning to confront DELILAH angrily) Yes, my wife! Last time I checked, love wasn’t a sin!

Delilah

No, but sodomy is a sin, devil woman!

Olivia

(Yelling) How dare you!

Delilah

(smiling) Care to explain the label on the back, though?

Olivia

(Thrown off) The huh? (She turns over the photograph) “Jenna and Abby, Beach Trip.” (Silence)

Daniel

Abby?

Olivia

Abigail. I had my name changed from Abigail when I left her. I figured it would be harder for her to find me that way! I didn’t want her to hurt me anymore!

Daniel

So what you’re saying is that your name is not Olivia Newberry?

Olivia

Well, not anymore, but—

Daniel

So you were not born “Olivia Newberry.”

Olivia

No, Father, but—

Daniel

So what you’re telling me is that, not only did you conceal your homosexuality from your church family, but you have also come into our presence in false witness to your birth name?

Olivia

Father, I never meant to—

Delilah

What you meant is immaterial. All that matters now is what you’ve done.

Daniel

I’m afraid she’s right on this one, Olivia. The evidence is against you. If it weren’t for this last piece, I’m sure we could’ve worked something out, but I’m afraid there’s only so much we can do. (Pulls candles, incense, and cards from box)

Delilah

(Grinning) Let’s see you try to explain this one, witch!

Olivia

(Picking up  candle) They’re candles? And incense? You use these here in the church! What’s the big deal.

Delilah

The big deal is that they were all found in the same box with these. (Picks up the Tarot Cards)

Olivia

Tarot Cards? Those aren’t mine.

Daniel

Olivia, there’s no use trying to hide the truth any longer. They were found in your house, and you live alone! Who else could they belong to?

Olivia

(Raising her voice) But they aren’t mine! (She reaches for the cardboard box) What else do you have in there, huh?

Daniel

(Standing up, and sliding the box to himself) Well there are some other intriguing items. Specifically these (Pulling out some books) and this (Pulling out what looks like a game board).

Olivia

(Reading book titles) Wicca for Learners, The Witches Guide to Herbs, Oh my God, are you serious? (picks up last book) Twilight?!?! I’m an educator! Do you really believe that I would read this drivel?

Daniel

Possession is nine tenths of the law, Olivia. This was all found in your home…

Olivia

(Yelling now) But it’s not mine!!!

Delilah

(Picking up  board and turning it on its back) How do you explain this then, huh? This is YOUR name on the back, is it not?

Olivia

(Reads name. Silence)

Daniel

Olivia?

Olivia

(shaking head. quietly, and controlled, she speaks) Do you even know who you’re trying to protect?

Daniel

(Taken aback) Excuse me?

Olivia

(Turning to Delilah, sharply, laughing) Do you even have any idea who this man is?

Delilah

(stepping back) I don’t understand what you’re talking about…

Olivia

(Grabs board) This board, you TRAMP! I mean, A Ouija Board? Really? Did you really think that I would believe this was my handwriting?  And all these witchcraft books? You planted them in my house, didn’t you!?

Delilah

(Raising voice) I would do no such—

Olivia

(Interrupts by slamming fist on table) Do you even know what this man is? He is a fake! Your precious father is a FAKE. We fucked! Yeah! Bet you didn’t know that, huh? He took me out to dinner a couple times. Played sweet and nice, then brought be back to his place and then we—

Daniel

(Slaps OLIVIA across the face) OLIVIA YOU WILL STOP THIS RIGHT NOW! How dare you accuse me of this? The church has come to its decision. If you try to return here again, we will take legal action. (He turns to leave) You will pack your things and leave here by the end of the week, understood? (SILENCE. He exits in a fluster, leaving OLIVIA and DELILAH alone).

Olivia

(Begins to pack her things back into the Cardboard box, but leaves the Wiccan books and paraphernalia on the desk.) I still can’t believe this… (She removes her necklace, dropping it on the desk)

Delilah

(Smiling, arms crossed) Me either. Ha! I figured you would’ve just accepted you defeat when you realized there was nothing you could do to save yourself, but to come up with a lie like that about the Good Father…

Olivia

It’s true. I have proof. (She rubs her lower belly) And you should be careful about who you believe.

Delilah

Father Daniel is a man of God. He wouldn’t commit an act like that in a million years. He’s too pure a man. That’s why, sometimes, it’s necessary for women like me to ensure that the will of God is perpetrated.

Olivia

By planting false evidence? (Gestures to Wiccan stuff) I assume the books came from your bookstore?

Delilah

A wonderfully diverse Fiction section we have, don’t we? (she winks) Should’ve kept your mouth shut and stuck to the rules around here, huh?

Olivia

(quietly) Go to hell. All of you. I know the truth. Even if your closed mind can’t see the obvious facts…

Delilah

You want an obvious fact? (Raising voice) Then tell me this: How am I supposed to believe that a lesbian heretic comes along and is able to have sex with a Celibate Priest? Hmm? Tell me how I’m supposed to believe that one, eh?

Olivia

(Picks up box and turns to leave) I never said it was consensual… (Exits)

Delilah

(Follows OLIVIA with her eyes before turning to desk with a look of concern. She shakes it off, then picks up the necklace, and puts it on her own neck. She checks herself in a "mirror" that hangs on the fourth wall, looking pleased with herself. Suddenly, she cries out as a pain hits her in her lower stomach. She grabs her stomach, as though with child and falls to her knees. LIGHTS)

The Beast

There is a beast in Aiden’s house. Its presence arouses fear in his family. From his room, Aiden hears the shrieks and screams as they try to make their escape. The heat in the room is incredible. Through his open door, Aiden sees the creature burn its path up the stairs. They cannot escape it. It is a beast of smoke and flame. It roars at its prey, and flashes its mane of black and red. Yet despite the intensity, a chill runs through Aiden as he recalls the day.

It had been quite a while since he had seen his street. The brisk winter day was icy on his bare arms. Aiden had hitched a ride back home in the bed of a truck that contained only a weed-eater, a red plastic gas can, and himself. Night was in full effect when the truck pulled onto his suburban street. Aiden signaled the driver where to stop, and then walked up to his house.

The windows were all darkened; his family must have fallen asleep hours ago, ready to wake early for presents. What a surprise his parents had in store for them when they would wake to find that he had returned! He plucked the key from above the door jam and stepped inside. The lights from the Christmas tree twinkled bright in the darkness of the house.

Aiden stepped around the presents placed under the tree. None for him, of course. Who would’ve expected him back, after all? He made his way up the stairs and listened at his parents’ door. The soft snores proved their slumber. Aiden continued toward his sister’s room. Sweet Emily. He missed her most, and would always miss her most. He placed a hand on her door, and kissed the hand. A tear fell to the floor with a splash as Aiden stepped away. His trail marked, he descended the stairs to his room.

The memories fade away as Aiden traces his sight through the black smoke filling his old home. The beast had already done damage. The tree blazes brighter than before and the presents beneath it add to the ember glow. Sweat drips down Aiden’s brow as he looks around. His life is burning around him. The beast rakes its burning claws across the walls and the symbols of his youth—his posters, paintings, photographs—they burn in the beast’s rage. Having seen enough, Aiden makes to leave, but comes face-to-face with the beast, itself, blocking his exit.

The shadow monster became, in Aiden’s mind, his father from the year before. He remembered the way he had stood there, quaking in fear, as his dad yelled at him in the door’s frame. His mother watched, from behind, and his sister, sweet Emily, had been crying at his father to leave Aiden alone. The cat had been cold, Aiden argued. It was freezing! But his father rejected his argument. The cat had perished because of Aiden, true, but he was only trying to help. He reasoned that fire warmed the family, and therefore fire would warm the cat. But his father was greedy, and punished him for trying to share the family’s warmth. By his father’s rule, only the family could live. And since he tried to break the rule, they sent Aiden away.

And now he is back, but the beast had followed him. Its fiery feline eyes gaze at him as it creeps forward. Aiden stays still and calm as it brushes against his leg. The beast reaches up and licks Aiden’s left hand, scorching skin and bone. There was no pain greater though than the pain from his father’s betrayal. So Aiden stands with his beast, satisfied in revenge. The white gown from the ward burns fast on his body until it catches fire to the red gas can still in Aiden’s right hand.

Shh

“Shh. Shh.” A boy plays about in the shallows. He collects shells that wash up on shore. He is a child who knows only the simple matters of life. He knows that soon, these long weeks of summer will end and he will return to his arithmetic and writing. But for these short few weeks left, the world is his.

His mother, a younger woman herself, sits watching this boy. It had been many years, many years indeed, since she had come to this place. As a child, she visited often; she stood, herself, upon the shore, soaking in the summer’s last rays of shine.

But she sits restless now. She looks at her son in the sun and wonders how long the shells and shore will keep his focus. The respite they traveled on was now a week past, and this day is the first spent basking above the warm sand. The boy’s focus has, to mother’s dismay, been away. He longed for boardwalks and pizza, for arcades and movies.

The area sure has blown up since the mother was here as a child.

She recalls with a sigh the “Shh, shh” of the breaking waves. In those days, the beach was empty. There were no boardwalks or pizza, no arcades or movies. There was a beach though, which lay unspoiled along the coast, and on it she and her parents could rest in peace.

But now they rest in peace, and she sees her son in the shallows. She has grown up, and so has the beach. Now there are people everywhere. They've heard of the beauty, and come to take as much as they can. Along the beach there now winds a road littered with various shops and restaurants. The peace is gone.

The boy, of course, knows nothing about the past. He sees the beach now for what it is. He enjoys it just as much as his mother had in the past, for he has no memory with which he can compare. It can be said, though, that when he returns here with his son, he will, likewise, miss the older days. These days he lives now will be the best he ever has, for with growth comes death. When everything around him changes, it is the boy’s memories that will keep him unhappy of the differences.

The seashells are now collected. “Shh. Shh.” It’s time to move along.

Big World

Ralph was a big man. He was big man who taught. He taught small students. The small students made Ralph feel bigger.

He loved once.

She was a small woman. This small woman made Ralph feel bigger. She taught big students. She was a small woman who taught big students in the Big House.

She was killed.

Now Ralph teaches small students about his small wife who taught big students who kill small women in the Big House. Ralph was a big man who taught small children. Ralph got upset. Ralph made the children fewer.

He was arrested.

Ralph is now without his small wife and his small students. Ralph is now among the big students in the Big House. Ralph is a man in the Big House among big students.

He feels small.