Nothing

Apathy of people.

 

One night, like so many nights before it, you hear the shouting start. You pause in what you’re doing as you match the voice to a face you know so well. You see them every day, that person whose voice is now filled with such a burning anger and hatred that you didn’t even know one human could possess. You do nothing.

                Then you go outside and see the person less heard sitting on their back porch, tears streaking their face like rivers, not bothering to hide the fresh cuts and bruises. You know them; they’re around your age, they go to your school or work place, you have joked with them, and complained about the state of things, and that person does not seem like your friend at all. You cannot say anything to them, you go back inside and look at your family and their petty squabbles and thank whatever deity you believe in that it is not you sobbing outside. You imagine yourself making up excuses to hide things, and shudder at the image of your eyes with the same hollow look as theirs. You still do nothing.

               Then, as the days go by they seem to shine a little less than before, and you want to tell them to keep fighting the good fight, but you just don't have the heart. They hardly bother to come up with decent excuses anymore, and it seems to you they are like a beautiful star slowly fading until the moment where they are gone--and you feel like you are the only witness don't you? The only one who knows whats going on, and you could never act alone. They limp akwardly and look at you with accusing eyes, yet you still do nothing.

                A few nights later when the sound of glass breaking and angry voices shouting reach your ears you do not even pause this time. Now it is every day. Now it is normal. Now when you see them outside they are not even crying. Now you begin to blame them, as if they slammed themselves against the wall, as if the threw the bottles at themselves. Sure, someone should do something, but not you. Definitely not you.

                And I know you. You are wondering why no one, including yourself questions it. Wonder why this is okay, why the victim is the culprit. If you really want to know, look in the mirror and find your answer.

Reviews

[Nighteyes]

I know what you're trying to do and it's a good idea. Forcing the reader to identify with that position, or to face it if they're in it now - it's tricky to do, though.

There's something about the style that's just not flowing for me right now. I'm not sure what it is. Your sentences are mostly well-done - perhaps it's my natural hesitation to the "I", "you" second person perspective. I dunno.

[Sandra K]

Wow! I think i have fiugred out the story. Its great either way.
Good job!!
Keep up the great work!!


Sandra K