People
... her so unhappy. Suddenly, her face becomes drenched with sweat and tears; she grits her teeth as she painfully recalls the incident that had occurred within her very room. With monumental effort she deeply stares into the mirror. Her nose nearly touching that of her reflection. Breathing heavily, she relives the horrid experience... “Krystal?” .... Her father’s words repeated in her head like a scratched record.... “Love? What do you know about it at your age?” He said scornfully. Coming to his feet he began unbuckling his belt. Originally brown, the belt, now black with age. She stares at it in fascination. It was years since he had belted her. “Mum”.... “Forgive me, my dear child, but I can‘t help you”.... I averted her gaze, turned a deaf ear. The expression on Jack’s face was terrifying. At that moment he looked capable of murder. “I forbid you from seeing that Connelly boy, ever. Understand?” “He’s not our kind, Krystal. He’s a bloody Fenian, for Christ’s sake.” “He‘s different altogether“. A long hiss of breath escaped from Jack. His daughter involved in a relationship with a Catholic. The very thought made his skin crawl. Catholics were little better than vermin. Krystal’s legs had started to shake so much I thought she was going to lose control of them. “You haven’t answered me, girl”. I had never seen him so angry, his anger so intense it seemed to be sparking off him like lightening. ‘No,’ Krystal breathed more than said. She screamed when he grabbed hold of her hair and viciously yanked her from her chair. She screamed all the way to her bedroom as he dragged her stumbling through. I linger behind, as the words keep repeating in my mind.... It’s alright Krystal”.... I love you my darling daughter.... I know exactly how you feel.... Please know that I am here for you always.... Jack’s nostrils were dilated and his eyes hooded as he wrapped a section of the belt around his fist. “Now. I forbid you from...