Story Twenty

Sophie had been her father’s constant companion until her brother was born. 

She was no longer welcome in the family grocery store 

that she had assumed would be hers to inherit 

as her father had when he was a young man. 

Her father now boasted that he finally had a son who would take over the business. 

At twelve years old, 

Sophie learned the hard lesson that her father 

never considered that she could be an eventual equal.

Story Nineteen

Charlotte’s mother forbade many things during her teenage years, 

including trying out for the cheerleading squad. 

Her mother ignored the teary protests, yelling, 

“Those girls embarrass their families, jumping around in public like trollops. 

I will not have you disgrace me!” 

The first Halloween after moving out of the family home, 

Charlotte made a cheerleader outfit for the costume party she hosted. 

She insisted that her parents stop by 

and was immensely pleased by her mother’s reaction of horrified disgust.

Charlotte continued to be a cheerleader every Halloween 

until the effects of three childbirths suggested she should stop.

Story Eighteen

Johnny resented being told to watch after his twin brothers, 

Freddie and Eddie, 

preferring his earlier life as a single child.

When out of adult view, 

he would frequently pinch and shove the twins 

until they grew old enough to become each other's protector.

As adults, 

Freddie and Eddie remained close, 

socializing with Johnny only when necessary.

They no longer feared their older brother 

and felt no need to pretend to have affection for him.