Aurora Magazine 2018

boyfriend goes on a murdering rampage.” It was everywhere. I tried to clear my name, but there was no running from it. You remember watching me when I was convicted eighteen years ago, did I look like a murderer to you? (KYLE is speechless, as if he cannot believe what he was hear- ing.) KYLE No, you looked like me. MARSHALL A young, American boy. Just starting out in the world. I thought back then that my story would be heard, that I would be heard. But here’s the thing…They don’t want to hear you, boy. They want you to shut up and conform. Don’t ask ques- tions, especially questions regarding them and the decisions they make. The government has you, you don’t have the government. I’m a living, (MARSHALL stops, as if trying to choose the right words.) MARSHALL (CONT.) Well, I’m just an example of that. Terminal cancer is just the cherry on top. KYLE That’s why you confessed. (MARSHALL nods, a small smile appearing on his lips.) MARSHALL You finally figured it out. It took you long enough, boy! I knew you would, I never doubted you. I just wondered if it would be before or after. KYLE You wanted to be in control of something. MARSHALL I’ve had everything taken from me, boy. Even if it’s my death, C O O P E R

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