Hate the bloody thing,
she utters loudly.

The nun picks up the
artificial limb.

You'll get used to it,
the nun says firmly.

Stuff the bloody leg,
Anne says. The nun
kneels down by the chair
holding the stiff leg.

Doctor said you must
put it on daily
to get used to it,
The nun said. Anne
sat upright and said:
I don't give a damn
what the doctor said
I'm not wearing it.

The nun looks at her,
tries to be patient.

What's wrong with the leg?
It's bloody ugly;
I'll go without it,
Anne says. Benny
stands by the doorway
looking at them both.

Hey, Kid, Anne says,
bring me my crutches.

The nun signs deeply.

You must try it on;
I insist you do,
The nun says. Benny
brings the two crutches.

You must put it on,
the nun says loudly.

You can't make me put
the friggin leg on,
Anne says, pushing
the artificial
leg away from her.

The nun rises to her feet:
I will report you
to the doctor and
inform Sister Paul.

The nun walks away.

Anne takes each crutch
under her armpits:
right, Kid, lets get out
into the fresh air.

Benny watches her
crutch herself away
with his boyish stare.