Таинственная история Билли Миллигана

           Shehadbeenoperatingatape-controlledpunchdrill,andwhenshenoticedthemanwasstartingtodozeontheassemblyline,shewentover,shookhimandtoldhimitwasdangerous.Hesmiledandthankedher.

           Asshewentbacktoherworktable,shesawChalmerglaringather.Allthewayhomehewassilent,sulking.

           Inthehouseshefinallysaidtohim,"Whatsthematter?Youwanttotalkaboutit?"

           "Youandthatnigger,"Chalmersaid."What’sgoingon?"

           "Goingon?WhatinGod’snameareyoutalkingabout?"

           Hehither.Thechildrenwatchedfromthelivingroomashebeather.Billystoodthere,terrified,wantingtohelpher,wantingtostopChalmerfromhurtinghismother.ButhesmelledtheliquorandhewasafraidChalmerwouldkillhimandburyhimandtellherheranaway.

           Billyrantohisroom,slammedthedoorshutwithhisbackagainstitandcoveredhisearswithhishands.Buthecouldn’tshutouthismothersscreaming.Crying,heslowlysliddownthedooruntilhewassittingonthefloor.Heclosedhiseyestight,andinShawn’sdeafnesseverythingwentsilent...

           Thatwasthefirstofthebadmix-uptimes,theTeacherrecalled.LifebecametangledasBillywanderedabout,losingtime,notknowingthedayorweekormonth.