I’m not what you could call ravishingly beautiful, except for my teeth. It’s nothing like a huge complex or anything a lot of books say it’s common in people my age, which is fifteen. What that means is that I’m not overconfident about things. My name is Betsy Goodman, and I count less than almost anyone else in this whole story. stood in the hallway, listening through the door, before she eased it open. Slowly at first, and then faster and faster, she began to rock back and forth, rhythmically smashing her head into the headboard. In her room, Lisa threw herself onto her bed and pulled up into a pony-position, on all fours, her sobs beginning the motion. said.Īfter a moment, Lisa too stood up and excused herself. Not shake, exactly: quiver, up and down, from the chin. thought it might have been tears that stopped her.Īnd then Mary Nell saw Lisa’s head begin to shake, ever so slightly.

She started to turn toward her mother to say something but changed her mind. Mary Nell said that Lisa just sat and stared at her father as he walked away. As soon as I get back from Minneapolis, he said pleasantly and got up from the table. Please, could you talk to someone, or get a doctor? Or maybe just do anything?Īll right, honey. 'I think it’s exactly the kind of thing people do talk about, dear,' said her mother, ringing a little silver dinner bell for the maid and smiling knowledgeably.ĭaddy, please, Lisa said, straining. I don’t imagine it’s the kind of thing people talk much about.

How should I know? Lisa said, clenching her teeth, trying to smile politely. Who else has a psychiatrist, Lisa, in your class? her mother wanted to know. Just someone who would understand and know what to do. I mean, she added quickly, it wouldn’t have to be an expensive one. Well, said Lisa, calmer, quiet but not hopeful, maybe a psychiatrist or someone.

Since you don’t pay any attention to me when we’re alone, Lisa protested, I thought you might with other people around.Īll right, all right, Mrs. Shilling went on, I think it’s very rude of you to discuss this sort of thing when we have guests. This was the first time she’d ever heard Lisa say anything about this.īesides, Mrs. You’ve mentioned this before, but you never say what you want to do about it. I think I’m going crazy, Lisa said again. Talking, I mean, inside.'Ĭoffee, Mary Nell? Mrs. I only have a feeling that something is awfully wrong. Lisa took a big breath, as though she were fighting something down. What is it you’re crazy about? Lisa’s father asked.ĭamn it, Daddy! That’s not it at all. Listen, didn’t anyone hear what I just said?

Lisa bright and dark by john neufeld