The Making of a Monster by N. Barry Carver (ebook reader color screen txt) 📕

I’m a monster.

Let it be. It was an accident.

They died because they depended on me.

The bridge was damaged, you couldn’t have known. You cared for them as no one else did.

And killed them.

You’ve driven for the St. Ignatius’ home for seven years and never accepted a dime. Not only that, but there wasn’t one on that bus who could even put on their seatbelt without your help–every day without complaint.

It’s the deeper truth that hurts: Knowing every one of those families is... grateful they don’t have to go on that way any longer.

How long have you been looking for work?

Just started really.

Your chauffer’s license is clean and your recommendations are excellent. Why move way out here and leave everything behind?

I needed a change... I figure I’ve got some good years left and I want to do something that helps others.

We can’t offer wages, but the job is rewarding in other ways.

I know that, I do. And they need me, my skills, and it’s good to feel needed.

Experience is a great teacher and it seems you’ve learned a lot.

I have. I have.

When can you start?

Sad news out of Warton Township tonight.

Seventeen disabled children are dead in an accident that is under investigation this evening.

The driver, recently hired by Access For All, the county run para-transit service, is the only survivor.

The children were on a day trip into the city, which included travel across the recently renovated highway–28 bridge near Oakton.

Accident investigators tell channel seven news that a portion of the repair may have failed, sending the bus into the river–where the occupants quickly drowned–many of them being too handicapped to unfasten their safety belts and save themselves.

Text: © 2012 Barry Carver
Publication Date: 03-30-2012

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