The "All"

            For many summers the Bennetts had vacationed on Cape Cod.
            Julia was their second child. She had resented here younger brother
            for taking her place as the youngest child and receiving all the
            attention as the new born. Julia pretended to care for her little brother
            and would change his diapers and feed him. But, behind her smile
            was an evil plot to murder.

            Julia knew when her parents left the cottage it would be hours before
            they would return. This would be an excellent opportunity to accidentally
            cause her little brother's death. The neighboring houses were concealed by
            evergreens. She had planned to toss the baby into the pool, but it had been
            drained. This led to an elaborate scenario for dropping him into the cement
            pool: "Oh, I was outside and I tripped. (Sobbing)"

            The weather turned dark and a downpour followed. Julia grit her teeth.
            "I will finish you." she said with a gentle smile as she put his blanket
            over his face. A twinkle in the babes eyes stayed her hand.
            Perhaps, he was not so repugnant. Julia pulled back the swaddling and
            looked at the smiling face of her brother. "Robert. You are very lucky
            to have me as your sister." She smiled back and kissed his lips.

            Reflections: Where does compassion arise in our nature?
                              Is it not better to be ruthless and suffer no conscious?


            ~~~
              <^>