The Broken Doll

“I‘M scared daddy.”

“We’ll be fine Daniel, it’s just snow.”

“But it’s blowing harder now, Papa.”

“A little. Let’s not worry about it right now, Beth, you two read or something. Read something to your brother, but quietly. I need to concentrate on driving.”

“Okay, Papa. But what if we slide off the road? Won’t we get stuck in snow and freeze?”

“Daddyyy...”

“It’s okay, Daniel, we’re not going to freeze. Don’t upset your brother, Beth.”

“Yes, Papa. But that wind is bad. The car shakes every time it hits us. I’m scarred.”

“We’re all gonna’ die! I don’t wanna’ die daddy. Tommy said you burn in fire for eter ... something. I don’t wanna’ burn, it hurts!”

“You’re not going to burn Daniel, only bad people . . . Like Tommy . . . thanks Tommy . . . go there. You’re not a bad person Daniel ... tell him he’s a good person, Beth.”

“You’re a good person, Daniel.”

“But what about your doll that I broke when ...”

“YOU broke my doll! I’m gonna get you for that you little bugger. I’ll ...”

“BETH! Now is not the time for threats. Both of you be quiet.”

“Look daddy, lights!”

“Yeah, a gas station and lights are on so they have heat. We’ll be safe there until this blizzard blows over and the plows clear the road.”

“I’m gonna’ get you for breaking my doll!”

“I heard that! Stop it right now. Get your gloves on and your hoods and zippers up. Take my hands when I open your door, I don’t want anyone blown away.”

“Wow, Beth, that wind, look at the snow it blew in, its all over the front seat.”

“He can’t hear us now, and if the wind doesn’t blow you away you’re dead meat when we get home. She was my favorite.”

“DADDDYYYY...”