Cat In An Aqua Storm

3

Dial “M” for Matt

“Hello.”

“Brother John?”

“Yes,” he said.

“It’s Sister Sue.”

“I recognized your voice.”

“Me, too, I guess. Only I had to make sure. You never know.”

“How are things going?”

“Not... good. I don’t know how much longer I can take it sometimes. Sometimes I just wanta freak, you know?”

“I know. But you shouldn’t have to take it at all.”

“Easy for you to say.”

“Once it wasn’t. You know why you call?”

“Because I need help. I want out. But...”

“ ‘Buts’ are excuses, not answers.”

“I know. I hate myself sometimes—”

“Worse than him?”

“Sometimes. Sometimes I think all the things he says are right.”

“You know they’re not. You could leave tonight. The women’s shelter—”

“Shit! I can’t hide somewhere. My business is going great. That’s my ticket out of here, not running away, hiding out. Not yet. I’ve got this big chance, in my business. Maybe that’s why he’s so mad.”

“Is it worse?”

“It always gets worse. You know that. But... I can make it. Just another few days. If I get lucky next weekend, I’ll have the money to drop out for a while. Take the kids. A week from today.”

“Then why are you calling tonight? And gambling is no real way out. Sister Sue? Don’t hang up—”

“I’d never hang up on you, Brother. Unless he came in and made me.”

“I’d call the police then.”

“God, no! Not the police. He just gets madder, badder, and he’s always out so soon. Bigger, badder. He... smashed up the living room, hit me in ways it won’t show. He’s so good about that, so smart when he’s crazy. And little Ria—”

“He’s hitting the kids now, too? You’ve got to get out. You can’t wait for a week from today.”

“I know, I know! Just a week. Help me hang on for a week. If I didn’t have this number, have you to call, someone who knows...”

“My knowing can’t help you until you help yourself. Until you leave.”

“A week from Friday. Honest. If you only knew what a chance I’ve got, how hard I’ve worked for it. I’ve made my plans, my escape plan. I’ve kept it secret. Not even his big fists and feet can pry it out of me. Only a few more days. I can make it. I can take it. Just a little bit longer.”

“Don’t take that risk. He’ll only escalate. Don’t—Sister Sue, are you there? Answer me!”

“...I gotta go now. Baby’s crying. Baby’s always crying. Maybe baby will cry until Saturday, sweet Saturday. Bye, Brother John. God bless.”

“Wait—don’t hang up. Wait...”