Date:         Sun, 10 Aug 1997 22:11:33 -0500
From: Phanny <corbett@SLUAXA.SLU.EDU>
Subject:      SUB: CONTEST: Just Hang Up

                           Just Hang Up

     Out of the darkness darted a chill.  The sound of what?
... a gunshot...a backfire...ripped the seam of sleep. With
heart racing Laura, avoiding wakening John, tiptoed alone
to the livingroom window. Bathed in eeriness, the street
was vacant. Slipping into bed, she shook off invisible
heartclutching fingers.

  "Stop being silly!" she whispered.............

  "Breakfast, John," called Laura. In quick-change
fashion, the chunky blonde pulled on a robe, started
the  laundry and proceeded to cradleside.

   "Wake up!!!"  Mother cooed.

   Gently the twosome nestled into their well-worn
rose-colored rocker.  Tina peered into Laura's face
and accepted the nurturing breast. Two pairs of
eyes dozed.

  "See you, Hon....Home at 6:30."
John passed,  kissed her cheek...patted Tina.

  Creaking bedroom sounds  diverted Laura's attention.
A small  curly head appeared in the hallway.... The
shrieking telephone intruded. Breathlessly reaching the
receiver, she positioned it while balancing Tina.

   "I'm Laura Johnson...... Yes, he's my brother......
"Oh! .... God!"

     Tina's insistent tugging caused Laura to stiffle a scream.
All calmness evaporated. The voice on end of the wire droned
on  painting bloody pictures for her mind.

   "He's dead! Uncle Wayne shot himself!"

   Tina and Laura chorused in uncontrollable wailing . Hanging
up on the offensive news made no difference.