The Effects of Abuse

The effects of abuse are apparent from the time the story opens. Gerald, at only three years old, has already learned that he has to read his mother's moods, that he has to stay out of her way when she's high, and that the safest place for him is behind the couch where he is not in his mother's line of vision and therefore not likely to bear the brunt of her anger. Gerald escapes the environment, but Angel is not so fortunate. When Gerald meets Angel for the first time, it's hot outside, but Angel is wearing tights. When Aunt Queen suggests she pull them off, Angel is terrified. She knows that she has bruises on her legs and that Monique and Jordan will punish her for letting anyone know about the abuse. Angel spends most of her time being afraid and it's not...