Lies on the Border Line

A Glimpse of Things to Come

What is your earliest memory? How old were you in it? Is it happy? Is it sad? Maybe you were playing with other kids your age? Maybe you were being picked on by a bully? Maybe you were lying in your crib, looking up upon your doting parents?

Aaron's earliest memory was nothing so pleasant. You see, Aaron's parents, while they were still together, were not exactly what anyone would describe as 'compatible' or 'good for each other'. In fact, they were horrible together. So bad in fact that it is a wonder they ever stayed together long enough to produce three children. Still, up until about the age of 7 Aaron had both of his parents living together under one roof.

Aaron's parents would often fight. Lots of couples have fights, but when I say fight, I don't mean argue. Sure, they would scream and yell, and throw things like something you might see on T.V. But they would also get physically violent. Scratching, hair pulling, biting, punching, nothing was really outside of the realm of possibility when his parents were angry at each other.

Of course, Aaron was very young at the time, 4 or maybe 5. His parents were fighting rather heatedly and things were starting to take a turn for the worst. Aaron and his two sisters, which were both older than him, were very upset by the fight that was going on. Aaron and his sisters, being able to do little to stop their parents from fighting, only had one course of action. They would cling to their parents legs and plead to them, "Please stop fighting!", Please don't hurt each other!"

This is Aaron's first memory. Clinging to his father's leg, screaming, "Dad, please don't hit mom!"

Of course, Aaron's parents eventually separated, and then Aaron only got to see his father on the weekends. Still, even though his parents weren't together anymore he loved them both and they both seemed happier than ever. For a while things were better than he could ever remember them being, and he was glad that his parents didn't have to fight anymore.