Enter the Devil

Sophie

The doctors told me that she was sick, seriously so. She had a form of cancer that was in its last stages, progressing rapidly. No, they could not say for sure how much longer she would survive, forget the chances of recovery!

I sank onto the hospital bench that afternoon, weeping as I knew that there was no one I could share my sadness with.

With the knowledge that I needed to keep Mamma medicated, I began to work. Soon, I had left school and was working at the local diner. The money was not great, but it brought in enough for me to take care of my mother.

***

And a few months later, Sondra turned up. The look of weariness and hopelessness on her face frightened us but I was happy to see her back.

She had a baby with her, a baby named Patrick.

She had no idea who the father was. But she wanted to lead a straight life, she said; she wanted to stay off drugs.

She wanted to be a good daughter, but most of all, a good mother, she said.

***

Mamma was happy. She grabbed my arm when