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Show Woodworth/lO live her life like her friends. Let her play and go to school, for as long as she can. There will be time enough, later on, for her to try to understand what is happening to her-" "Oh, Roger, you've been such a help to me...to us. Is there anything I can possibly do to show you how grateful I am?" "Yes, Irene, there is." Roger lifts Irene to her feet, holds her gently in his arms. "I bet there is," Marty comments, stealing a look at her mother. Ruth is expressionless, watching the television. "You can give me a big smile," Roger continues. "And promise me that you will call me if there is anything more I can do." Irene manages a weak smile. "I promise," she whispers. In the background, a door slams and a child's voice calls out, "Mommie! Mommie!" Irene and Roger exchange a meaningful look. Music swells in. "I can't believe you watch this garbage," Marty says. "You're in an awfully critical mood today." "Oh, come on. You have to admit that it's pretty trashy." "You don't have to get snotty with me. I went to two years of college, too, you know." Ruth has finished her drink. She leaves half a sandwich on her plate. "Just because you have a diploma now doesn't mean that you know everything." On television, three shining, perfect children are sitting at a table, crowing about a new breakfast cereal. "I don't think I know everything, Mom. But those soap operas are so depressing." "Well, so is life. So is life depressing." Ruth pulls herself out of her chair, grabs the wine glass, and heads unsteadily acrnss the room to the liquor cabinet. "That's one thing I bet |