Helen was quite headstrong and in control; she got what she wanted, when she wanted it. While I knew that this was the case in school, it was interest...ing to watch at home.In school, Helen's routine was one of manipulation and teasing; at home she was much more direct. When she wanted something, she demanded it, either from her mother or her sister. If she felt that she was not getting what she wanted, or not getting it fast enough, she would scream at her mother, and her mother would submit.. "I broke down, and in a few short bursts told her what had happened. For a few fleeting seconds I thought I saw empathy in her eyes. While I sobbed and blabbered, begging forgiveness for my failings, her mouth set in a grim line, and she was already swinging the tawse. Why did I expect her to change, to caress and comfort me? I should have known better than that.The first blow, when it came, was as severe as any I had known.THWAPPP!! On my bum, which caught fire almost instantly. Then,. He tested the door: locked."I don't think it's going to surrender to your Kung Fu attacks, Lace. I noticed the door when we set him up here. It's steel with an oak veneer."She slid over to a window behind the foundation plantings. Peering into the dark interior led to no new information. Lacy Murphy put her elbow through a pane of glass."The rain is going to make a mess of the carpet," she said.She snaked an arm through the broken glass and turned the window lock. It opened easily. The large. Sandy did a little crying, too. Mom and my sister had a lot in common. Both were loving and compassionate."Is Mom home now?" Sandy asked."Yes." Where is she?" In the kitchen." Is she alone?" Yes. Dad's at the church, and Cal's out somewhere with Cathy." I'll call her now. Go to the kitchen, answer my call, hand her the phone, and then hold Mom's hand while I talk with her. I might want to know how she felt about our conversation later."When I walked into the kitchen, Mom asked, "Did you leave a.