25.5.2009
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The defendant had sat through this testimony without protest. He looked at the floor and looked up or raised his eyes only a few times. When Edith came in, he was startled. He clearly had not expected to see her. She had changed greatly, and despite the condemnation he experienced, he appeared nothing if not proud of this daughter of his after all that had happened.
After Edith's testimony, Rev. Pauline turned again to Speedy Simon.
"You say this is a disease. Do you have an explanation of how you got it? For example, do you think you got it from someone, or do you think it's in your genes, that this disease could be hereditary? I would like to hear an explanation."
"Yes, I have at least one explanation. I've thought about it sometimes."
"Will you tell us about it?"
"I admired my father. He was my model in life. He was unlike other men I've known. He was usually mellow and easy-going to be around. But he had fits. I was eight when I watched him humiliate my mother. That really bothered me, but still I took his side even though deep inside I felt I should've taken her side. If I've got a disease, then my father did, too. Actually a different one. I feel that my father's behavior toward my mother is a lot like the passion that holds me in its grip."