Queenie Grace Remembers the Spurs

I remember the spurs. I remember the sharp metal digging into my skin, Fire-Eating Charlie kicking. It hurt.

Bill punched Charlie in the face when he caught him riding me with the spurs. Bill the Giant was a gentle man, but not when it came to somebody hurting me.

I can still see Bill’s fist meeting Charlie’s cheek. Pow! It made a nice, satisfying sound.

I never felt the spurs again. But tonight, Charlie wears them again. The sound makes me shiver. It makes me shake.