Louie's new friend in Colton County, Mississippi writes again, this time w. bad news.
Dear Louie,
This might be the final time I write to you. Jack has decided I should not be spending time in front of the computer. He feels it keeps me from doing the things around the house as I should. This is not the first time Jack has forbid me to do things. In the past year, he has forbid me to see most of my friends and seldom allows me to use the telephone, except for necessary calls. In fact, most of the time he takes the phone with him when he leaves for work each morning. I only have the phone if I have to make calls during the time he is gone and when the phone bill arrives, he reads is carefully to make sure I have not made additional calls. If I do dare to disobey, I pay dearly. He also monitors my computer use. He installed some sort of device that tells him how long I am at the computer and what I do. Jack was not happy when he checked it yesterday afternoon and found the email I sent you. I guess it was stupid of me to think he would not find out and I have to admit I am paying the price today. He will find this email as well I am sure and I will be sorry I sent it, but I feel compelled to explain.
You asked me if my husband hits me, and the truth is, he does. It is not often, Jack has to be very mad to do this, and often I deserve it. I should do better at keeping him happy. I can’t leave because I have nowhere to go. My parents are both gone. I have no siblings and besides he has already told me if I tried to run he would find me and kill the children and me.I was young when Jack and I married and I have no skills when it comes to getting a job. I would never be able to support myself separate from Jack.
I was hoping we would be able to continue communicating. Talking to you makes me feel like I am not so alone in the world. I guess I was crazy to think things could get better for me. The only reason I stay is for the safety of my children. Jack loves them too much to every lay a finger on them. As long as they are safe, I do not mind making the sacrifice.
I had best go. Jack will be home in an hour and I need to start supper.
terrifiying write, can feel the tension that audrey is feeling...stay tuned for a response! excellent story, sarah; very well done! i love working with you and michelle!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :( >tears <
O, this is heartbreaking! Audrey needs to get out now, while the gittin's good...screw Jack's supper. Her life, the life of her children are far more important. Her comment, "...Jack loves them too much to even lay a finger on them...." is potentially terrifying. Is this how he shows his love to his wife, by abusing her????????? What would push him over the edge to start on the kids? Horrifying to even contemplate.
A potentially life saving write--well done, Sarah!
These timeless quotations culled from the celebrated corpus of writings by W.E.B. Du Bois are presented with illuminating introductory essays by Aberjhani. Narration of the Audible book performed by Catherine Byers.
