When Television Was Free

Chapter I Trauma

Loretta shifted in her sleep, still dazed as the church bell rang out. She perched on the side of her bed and sighed. It was daybreak and the sun had yet to make an appearance. Loretta jumped out of her stupor when she heard the loud clang again. Hattie, she thought. She dressed hurriedly as she recalled the prayer vigil last night. It was sad but jubilant. Hattie was one of mama’s best friends. They prayed and sang, and cried out and believed. Hattie had caught the pneumonia. She had that loud hacking cough for a while but she would not go to the doctor. “I don't need too” she said. “ "I done rubbed down in the Vick salve, and I'm going put them onions in my socks and drink my tea. I’ll be alright.” But word had got out that she was getting worst and not doing so good. Loretta left out of her house and ran towards the church. There was a huge gathering, people everywhere for that time of morning. The news had spread like wildfire. Loretta hurried through the crowd. She heard loud shrieks among shouts and whispering.