Teresa and Mabel, twelve and eight, were skating on the concrete driveway and sidewalk wearing brand new roller skates. It was great fun.

Father called out the front door to Teresa. She didn't hear over the sound of the skates.

He hollered louder.

She skated up the drive, thin arms thrusting out along with each bony leg. She hurried up to her father. Her joy was utterly apparent in her radiant smile.

Teresa looked up at him expectantly. He kicked out. Her skates shot backwards. Her knees came crashing down to the harsh concrete steps.

She lost her radiant smile.