Poisoned Soil

Chapter 2

"I didn't mean to hurt those pretty women. I wanted to court them and fall in love. I wanted to kiss their fears away and build a home, with a well-kept garden and fresh linen in every room. As for the children I wanted us to play hopscotch and jump-rope." Ms. Celi watched as Callaghan curled and twisted a piece of paper between his thumb and index. "But my mother's words are burnt into my mind Ms. Celi, she found fault -- every time. I felt obliged to fix these flaws before she told me again how very-- disappointed, she was in me."

"Mary, she was different, did you love her? Was she perfect? you hadn't marked her, hence we didn't think it was you. Why'd you hand yourself over after killing her?" Ms. Celi thumped the desk beneath her, swallowing hard in anticipation.

"I loved her, she tried to help me, she almost did. She wanted me to attend mass on Sundays. She prayed over me day and night." A tinge of pain shot across his face as he continued. "Oh, lovely Mary, in that beautiful yellow dress. How I loved her -- but her love seemed too weak to restore the forest. My mother had done a mighty good job there. I didn't mean to get angry; I couldn't discern her words. She made Mamma angry and I couldn't have that."

Bewildered, Ms. Celi leaned forward, "Mr. Callaghan, your mother is no longer alive."

Yes, but Love, sever all and make anew.