“Listen – I only hit her because she pushed my buttons.â€
Juror number six shifted in her seat. It had been a long day. The story had been repeated in gruesome detail several times over. The defendant insisting everyone know it wasn’t his fault. The defense attorney was objecting to questions being asked by the prosecutor.
Harsh lighting reflected off the pictures of the victim – her blackened eyes stared out, bruises glared.
Juror six looked down in surprise at the notes she had been taking – her neat, tiny scrawl repeating long ago memories: “Why daddy? Why did you hurt mommy?â€
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This is my entry for the 100 Word challenge – Harsh
October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is being abused, help them get help. NOBODY deserves to be abused – let alone by the person who has vowed to honor, love and cherish that person.
Wonderful post, extremely important message. It’s heartbreaking how common this situation is. Victims need to know they don’t have to stay trapped.
thanks, evenstarwen. I work for a victim services agency – and give many presentations on the subject. It seemed to fit the 100 Word prompt this week.
Of course thank you for bringing awareness to a subject that can never get enough exposure to sunlight.
You also did a great job of painting a scene here with multiple perspectives. Fine job!