A Measure of Hope | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: A Measure of Hope | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mary Beth Dahl
04/30/09
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Henry tightened his grip on the nightstick fastened to his belt. Flickering fluorescent lights overhead lined the hallway to the holding cell. The task before him would not be easy. He had seen it before, an angry new kid making improvements and adjusting only to throw it all away in a moment of rage. The difference this time came in the hope that he had for this young man to break the hold of past hurts and make a new life for himself.

As he approached the door to the holding cell, he could hear screaming, angry expletives interspersed with sobs.

“How’s he doing?” Henry asked the guard outside the doorway.

“You don’t want to go in there. That kid’s lost it.” Replied the fifty-something guard.

Henry didn’t respond, but pulled the keys from his belt unlocking the door and bracing himself for the onslaught. The sight of the boy crumpled on the floor, blood covering his shirt from his swollen, broken nose, broke his resolve to be hard and detached.

“Gene, you can’t keep doing this.” Henry closed the door and filled the space with his 6’7” frame. “You’re losing all your privileges and you’re gonna end up restricted for 48 hours.” The boy sat up and wiped his bloodied nose with his grey-blue issued sleeve. His eyes narrowed and he looked away. “Well?” Henry continued hoping to see some remorse in the hardened youth.

“Well what?” Gene shot back. “Well you don’t know how it is. I gotta let them know I ain’t someone they mess with. I’s just making a point is all. That ain’t no crime, is it? You ain’t gonna take nothing away. You know it’s not my fault. They’ve been setting me up.” Henry knew it was true. The older gang of boys did their best to provoke the new kids. Gene arrived in the Harvest Acres Boy’s Home two months ago and the older group had pushed every one of his buttons since then, but this time Gene’s behavior couldn’t be excused.

“You started the fight this time, Gene. You’re gonna do some time in the cell for that.” Henry said quietly.

“No man. You gotta talk to ‘em for me. You know I ain’t like all that. C’mon man.” Gene pleaded.
“Sorry Gene. They just sent me down here to break it to you. We’re all just trying to help you make good choices.” Gene started in with another barrage of excuses, but Henry hardened his jaw and reached for the doorknob. “No.” He said firmly opening the door and stepping back into the hallway. Gene screamed louder when the door shut.

As he left, Henry didn’t look at the guard posted at the door. He clenched his teeth together and headed for the time clock. He couldn’t wait to get away from this place. Sometimes his job as a guard for the delinquent youths actually made him feel like he was making a difference, but today he just felt like a failure. Gene seemed to be going the opposite direction in his behavior, only growing more and more distant at attempts to guide him.

The door to Henry’s apartment opened at the twist of the knob. Henry had tried to get his wife to lock the door during the day, but she could never seem to remember to turn that little key.

“Daddy!” The squeals of a young girl filled the tiny living room sending Henry’s clenched jaw into a loosened happy smile. Jumping up from her scattered dolls, the four-year old leapt into her father’s waiting arms.

“I missed you today.” She said placing her tiny hands on his tanned, aging face. “You look sad. Did you miss me too?” Henry’s eyes filled with liquid as he breathed his daughter’s sweetness.

“I did miss you. How can you tell?” He smiled back at her.

“Your eyes Daddy. They look sad, but don’t worry. Your home now.” And with that she dashed from his arms announcing the news of his arrival to her mommy who poked her head out of the kitchen and smiled.

Henry stood in the doorway letting the hard events of the day melt away. His troubled heart softened as he watched his little girl dance around with her dolls. And he knew that he would go back tomorrow filled with another measure of hope for Gene and the other boys.

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