Watermelon Seeds
...I know from his nightmares that his stepfather is responsible for a lot of the hammering he has taken” (74). Children that have experienced abuse in their life are often in denial, have less effective regulation of emotions, and suffer from depression. Adults that have been abused as children often find themselves creating fantasies to escape from their own lives. Donald and Lois envy the lives of others throughout the story. Donald wants to burn a boat that belongs to someone rich and Lois watches a mother and daughter go shopping in one of the upscale shopping strips. Donald describes it as, “Strike one for the good guys,” and tips his beer bottle toward the east where all those boats are tied down and covered up. Donald drinks frequently throughout the story. Lois described him as looking like “The Grinch” when he drank. His alcoholism contributed to the abuse he did to his girlfriend. Donald showed more emotions and affection to his friends then Lois. Throughout the story Donald verbally abuses Lois, but we never see physical abuse. There are times when Lois does feel threatened, “I’m waiting for his hand to twist in my hair or peel the skin off my face, or...