The Power of Testimony

SHAWN THORNTON || 9
Measured in birthday invitations, Bev was the most popular
outside the home as well. On Valentine’s Day a month
earlier, she had received f lowers from a number of boys at
school. Few were brave enough to come calling to the house,
but Bev’s sisters knew she was the focus of special attention
from boys.
Bev was at the head of her class academically as well, her
report card a tribute to the first letter of the alphabet. When
not socializing or playing, she sat in the house and read dense
books with no pictures in them and sometimes Latin primers.
She had recently won the highest honor given in eighth
grade, the Daughters of the American Revolution award, for
being the student with the best academic performance, best
citizenship, and most well-​rounded personality. The family
had gathered at the school to watch the presentation, her
sisters giddy with excitement, Russell and Betty taking lots
of pictures. Nobody in the family had received such an award
before, but it seemed obvious that it would go to Bev.
Bev also served as crossing guard at the school, a conspicuous
honor given to only the most responsible students.
Every day, she left class early, put on her patrol belt, and
helped children safely cross the street after school. It made
her proud that she had been entrusted with the lives of her
younger schoolmates.
Tonight, Bev’s well-​known tenacity was on display. Her
sisters were right. She was indeed hoping to spend a few
moments with John Thornton before heading to Kentucky
for spring break. She barely knew him—​he was seventeen
and a senior in high school, and she was fourteen. John had