Aunt Gertrude
A short story by Angela Raines "How's the Little Parasite today?" Aunt Gertrude asked as she walked into the kitchen. I hated to be called a parasite. She constantly called me that. It was not my fault my parents got themselves killed. She took me in when no one else would. She never stopped telling me the story and making me feel less than a person. I was constantly hearing her say "You will do what I say. If it weren't for me you would be dead. You should be thankful instead of complaining about what little work I have you do." It was so bad that I heard those words in my sleep. Little Parasite, Little Parasite. My name was Charity. Why couldn't she just call me by my name? "Little Parasite, you better get this kitchen cleaned up. The floor is a mess." I looked at her and the next thing I knew she was swinging the birch switch again. "I told you not to look at me. I can't stand the site of you. Now get back to work." I dropped m