Benny

The McFaddens were extremely poor.  They were even poorer than the average black sharecroppers.  This was due to the size of the family, and Reverend McFadden’s poor money managing skills.  The church was always given money first, and then the grownups were taken care of, then the older siblings.   Finally, by the time it got down to Benny and all of the younger siblings, it was slim pickings.  

     The younger siblings were given just enough rations to sustain their lives.   The young children hardly ever received candy or any other treats.  When they were lucky enough to receive any treats, Reverend McFadden would give it all to Elmo.  Elmo would share if he felt like it.  At other times, Elmo would taunt the other children with the candy just to watch their frustration.   Benny often got little or nothing in these deals.  He would often think to himself, “I wish we had more money.  I wish my father were nice to me.  I wish I could grow.”

     Benny’s brother, Curtis, was a year older than him, but was much larger.  Curtis was also a bully, and he bullied Benny unmercifully.  There was no relief for Benny, because the parents were gone from the house for long periods of time.  At those times, Zen was left in charge.  Zen could not stop Curtis from bullying Benny. 

     As the day would wear on Benny knew he was at the mercy of Curtis’ impulses.  He would sometimes hide in the big woods behind the big farmhouse.  At times he would even fall asleep on the ground in the woods, hoping that by the time that he woke up his mother and father would be back home.  But when his mother and father returned home, Benny had to trade one terror for another.