Horst Kepple

Dog Lover_s Diary

A Mother's Plea

Dear Harold,

Lord knows, as son-in-law and mother-in-law, the two of us haven't been exactly close over the years. That awful "bowling establishment" you insist on operating has been a thorn in my side for a long, long time.

Undoubtedly, our differences will always be too great for anything remotely resembling mutual respect, but… I am asking you now to put aside all your hatred of me, as I am disregarding my contempt for you.

What I have to say to you now is very difficult, not only as a mother, but as a normal, healthy woman with normal, healthy drives. It is an admission of failure as a parent. Total failure. I am glad Mr. Oliver is not alive today to see this letter, to read the horrible truth about his darling daughter, Polly.

The bound volume I have enclosed with this note is your wife's diary. I discovered it quite by accident while I was straightening up her dressing room at the studio. After you have begun reading it, Harold, you will understand why I swallowed my pride and contacted you.

Never, not in my darkest imaginings, could I have thought my own daughter capable of such… such criminal depravity. To be perfectly honest, Harold, I vomited after reading the first entry. But it does explain so much: her odd behaviour over the years, her moods, the long silences, her treatment of you… you poor, poor man. It even explains her fantastic success.

You must believe me when I say it was not out of spite that I sent this to you. I am not interested in rubbing your nose in it. But I knew in my heart of hearts that you, as a husband. as a man, would want to know.

I can only pray that after reading this revolting confession, you will for once in your life be enough of a man to do what's absolutely necessary.

Sincerely

Mrs. Ginger Oliver