The Foreign Service Journal, June 2005

“Let go,” Harmony says. Daniel is right behind her, steeling his fists. “Release my arm. I am leaving.” “You have nowhere to go. Nobody else will ever take in a filthy whore like you.” He spits in her face. When she does not react, he yanks her toward him, and with his other hand lands a flat blow across her face. The sound is like a crack. Lightning shoots through her bruised and swollen gums, like fire into her brain. “Ay!” she screams. The neighbors are silent. Ibori is looking at her with squinted, villainous eyes. When Harmony catches her breath, she sees Daniel next to her, his fists in tight balls, looking at her as if wait- ing for a nod to use them. She looks back at Ibori, direct- ly into his eyes. “You are evil!” she shouts. “You will not hit me any- more! You will not be this father to my son. Everyone here can see what you have done. They can see my face. They can see the truth, and they can see you for the ani- mal that you are. Now get your hands off of me!” She swings her arm forcefully in a wide arc, and breaks Ibori’s grip. He stumbles back. He has a star- tled look on his face as his foot slips in the mud, and he falls backward into the stream of gray water, land- ing with a splash on his backside. At first it is the chil- dren, and then all the neighbors who cackle with laughter. With only a glance to Daniel, Harmony quietly slips f rom the crowd, and with Harry on her back, his arms outspread, she flies up the hill toward the bright street lamps, toward the road, and away. ■ F O C U S J U N E 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 31 The neighbors, relaxing outdoors in the cool evening air, pause in their movements, like hyenas witnessing a kill. * per night, single or double occupancy subject to availability Y our search is over, choose a hotel where the federal per diem rate is available year-round. * t Luxurious Suites t All rooms with full size kitchen & stove tops t Fitness center t Complimentary in-room coffee t Full service restaurant t Parking available t Across fromMain State t White House, The Mall, and Metro Foggy Bottom station (blue & orange lines) within walking distance State Plaza Hotel 2117 E. St. NW Washington, DC 20037 Telephone: (800) 424-2859 (202) 861-8200 Parking Available Rated ★★★ 1 / 2 by AAA www.stateplaza.com E-mail: reservations@stateplaza.com