~The only sound ,to be heard, as the mad man laughs...~
~That next day Josiah met Clara at her mailbox. Her older brother was not there. "Were's youse older brother?" Josiah asked innocently. Clara punched him in the chest.
"I know what youse is thinkin'. Youse try anything and I'll beat the pig s**t outta youse!" She said. "He's riding in town with pa to pick up feed for the cows. He might not be at school today." Josiah flinched at her attitude and walked in silence down the dirt road, that led, to school. As the sun rose he noticed the faint purple bruise on her cheek. His fist trembled in rage, but even so, he kept his silence. Josiah walked along with her, his other hand clenched the belt that was attachted to his books.
He felt something nudge his arm.
"Hey. I gots youse's shirt for youse." She said. There were patchs in it. "I ain't that good at the stitchin' but it should be good at keepin' most o' the cold off ya back." She said. Josiah's anger vanished. He nodded his head and mumbled dumbly, "Thanks Clara."
"Don't mention it, youse dumbass." She muttered as they walked the 12 miles to school in silence.~
~Is like a concave scream...~
