above the uncontrolled sobs from the big room, where a mother already lost her baby, and as another contraction hit her, her cell phone rang, from her purse on the shelf.  She knew who it was.

     “Mama, I’m alive.  Mama, it hurts, Mama,” she whispered.  “Help me.  I so wanted you here when Peanut got here.  And you aren’t here with me.  I need you, Mama.  I’m scared, Mama.  I’m so scared.”

     The shooter kneeled at his dead son, and picked his body, up into his lap, and gently rocked him. 

     “You’re with my Allah now.  Away from this horrible, wretched world, away from your dirty mother.  You are in paradise.  Enjoy it, until I get there...

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