Character: MATILDA DIAMOND: 18. Their sister. Brisk. No nonsense.
MATILDA: Goddamnit! What do you want me to do -- send you to Ohio? I could. I could tape that box shut with you in it and mail it to Aunt Peggy and Uncle Ned. Tonight I could. Right now. Get you away and safe. Is that what you want? To be away from me? All right. I'll lie. Tell the cops I did it. I hope I get the electric chair. Just end it. When they reach for the switch, you'll be in Aunt Peggy's kitchen eating peach pie. Hot gooey peach pie better than I can make. Pie and milk -- new milk -- straight from a cow. She puts the glass of milk down for you on a gravy spot on the tablecloth. There's food spots all over the tablecloth, but they don't bother anybody. They're reminders of the happy meals you had during the week. I hear Uncle Ned's riding mower out back. They all have riding mowers in Ohio. The whole state smells like new cut grass and peach pie. He finished mowing. The screen door slams. He sits down at the table with you and Aunt Peggy. The three of you join hands for a blessing. It's a picture of happiness.
