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Robert surveyed the room before he opened the door. He looked at his wife, sitting on the couch, pale and still shaken from the past few days. Bobby was sitting in the chair by the corner, curled up tight as a ball with his head down. Mary-Anne sat on the same chair as yesterday, holding her cat and bouncing her head around, listening to her own inner tunes. He took a deep breath as he sent another silent plea for strength and opened the door.
“Good afternoon Officer Harris,” he stated, “Please come in. Maggie, I see you were able to make it. Was Bea able to come also? I haven’t heard from her.”
The police officer and social worker walked in together. Officer Harris picked up the tension quickly in the room and wasn’t surprised.
“Robert, I felt it wasn’t necessary for Bea to attend this,” Maggie stated, “It would mean overtime as it’s her day off and I’ll fill her in on everything later in the week, before she meets with Mary-Anne again.”
She then looked into the room and added, “Rough night last night? I take it Mary-Anne is off into her own world today?”
Seeing Robert nod, she turned to the officer, “Apparently Mary-Anne does this. Her emotions become twisted when she experiences stress or regains memories. It’s very difficult to deal with and unfortunately when she’s like this, it’s very hard to obtain information from her.”
“I was expecting some type of reaction, Maggie,” Officer Harris replied, “She was far too strong yesterday – in my opinion anyhow. After all, she is only 12 years old and only now beginning to recall the horror she’s lived under. Add in the fact she has placed a girl into the hospital and only recently recalled witnessing a murder, it’s no wonder she’s tuned out reality.”
“Besides,” he added further, “Trust me, I’ve had experience with this. She’ll settle down and tell us what really happened to Tracey. I just fear her reaction when she discovers, we’ll probably never be able to prove beyond doubt that her father actually committed a crime.”
Looking over, he observed Robert’s face drain of colour,
“I wish I could have better news than I do. It’s the most frustrating part of my work. That one could know the truth and still not be able to provide the closure needed.”
Maggie placed her hand on Robert’s arm and added, “Let’s just do this Robert. Trust the officer. I’ve worked with him this past year and have been amazed at his results. Never give up hope.”
With those words still echoing in his ears, Robert walked with them both to the living room.
“Mary-Anne, it’s time to tell your story.”
The switch was so quick, one almost believed she hadn’t been the cheerful, upbeat, annoying child that drove them crazy all morning. She jumped up from the chair and stood with her legs apart, in a fight stance.
“As I said yesterday, are you sure you want to hear the truth? Are you sure you are ready? Because I’m not wasting my time if you plan to be all emotional. Today there is no time for tears. So….are you ready?”
Officer Harris took the seat directly across from Mary-Anne’s. Looking up at her, he stated firmly, “I’m ready for whatever you have, Mary-Anne. Let’s get this rolling.”
©2001
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