| Thud. The haft of the knife vibrated as the point penetrated the solid wood panel. The teenage boy strode determinedly to the target, tracks of tears glistening down his cheeks. Viciously he grabbed the handle of the knife, jerked it free from the panel, and started back to the throwing line. As he reached the marked position he wheeled and, without looking, whipped his arm through the throwing motion, releasing the point and sending the knife back towards the target. Thud. Another splinter of wood fell from the panel as the boy retrieved the knife. He returned to the line, whirled, and released the blade again. Thud. With a violent shake of his head, Steve swore, uttering the words more like a wail of pain than a curse of anger. Three quick steps forward put his hand within reach of the knife's haft. Grasping the handle, he pulled the point free and started back to the line . . . . * * * * * As Steve dialed the telephone numbers, he mentally rehearsed what he was going to say. It was almost two weeks before the special school dance and he hoped Judy would agree to go to the event with him. He had intended to invite her at the regular weekend dance three nights ago, but she was not there, perhaps kept away by some slight illness. "Hello?" the telephone was answered. Dropping his voice almost to a whisper as his mother walked through the living room where the phone was located; Steve recognized Judy's melodious tones and identified himself. Gently sparring with the awareness of opposite sexes, the two teenagers disposed of the opening gambits by agreeing that it had been a nice day, school-work was a bore, and teachers knew nothing. Listening to Judy's voice, Steve visualized her: average in height, blue eyes, and shoulder-length blonde hair. She always seemed perky and alive, bringing smiles and good humor wherever she went. He had spoken to her several times over the pounding of the music's beat, as they often danced together at the weekend dances. But this was different. He was going to ask her for their first date and he could feel his apprehension growing as they inevitably approached the purpose of the phone call. |
| The Rage |
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