Ruins by Vanessa Mills

Blameless and Screwed

Vanessa Mills wrote a very intense short story dealing with child abuse and the court system. A family of six children, four girls and two boys, lived with their neglectful mother, Claudine, and hardworking father, Eddie.

Eddie is accused of abusing the children, when in reality it is Claudine’s sleazy boyfriend doing the abusing. The mother was guilty herself of hitting her children besides looking the other way during the boyfriend’s abuse.

The father had no control over the court system.  Trying to the best of his ability to gain custody of his children, he eventually lost. In a most despicable way, his children were brainwashed and used in court for the mother’s benefit. The result is frustrating.

There is nothing worse than feeling helpless in your own life. Not being able to prove you are the better parent must be devastating. It was for this particular father, Eddie, and his children.

Depending on one’s point of view, the ending may be uplifting. Whatever the reader’s opinion, we are left routing for the children as they made their own decision.

Vanessa Mills wrote “Intermissions” in her story. These are worth reading over a few times as they touch our inner soul. They are apropos to her story and will bring tears to your eyes.

Ruins is a well written story which will break your heart and leave you furious with the court system.