Red and Green

A green light always meant go. Green seems to symbolize growth and wealth. Red means stop and blood and anger so why is it that when I said no he saw it as me waving a green flag saying go. I SAID NO! My eyes were a beacon of red, not a yellowish maybe go slowly and definitely not a green light so why did he continue. I don’t...I just don’t understand... I said no. He was the one who didn’t listen. Don’t you get a ticket when you drive past a red light?

My lungs were screaming no.

My legs were covered in red.

What made him see green?

Was he colorblind?

Was he hard of hearing?

These questions are just my mind's way of making excuses but in the end, I said no and now all I see is red. Now red is the only color in my vision because he couldn't comprehend the difference.

As Rebecca paced around the interrogation room she didn’t feel much remorse nor did she feel shame or guilt. All she felt was rage and fulfillment. Did the officers not understand the issue. She did what she needed to do.

“Please sit down Rebecca,” said the woman

Rebecca looked at her, feeling the pity and battle of right and wrong in her eyes. But she didn't want it. She knew what happened and yes it hurt at the time but it doesn’t hurt as much anymore. The red was the perfect distraction, knowing that she taught him a lesson lessened the pain. Rebecca didn't need pity, she had wanted justice, and when others failed to get it for her. She did it herself and now they sit there acting surprised. They act as if she is the crazy one like she is the bad guy. She taught a man his colors and she would do it again if needed.

Staring back at the female officer, Rebecca leaned against the table. Putting her hands on either side and she looked at the photos scattered around the table. The bloody footprints. The red crayons. The ruby rose lipstick. She lifted up the picture of the body, laying there lifeless, just like she felt that night. Lifeless like someone took away your soul, your hopes and aspirations have gone so quickly.

The female officer stared at Rebecca watching her mouth lift into a satisfying smirk, her eyes void of all emotion. She seemed to be smiling, happy with her actions. Did she not understand what happened and why she was here? Clearing her throat she asked “Why did you ask for me to question you? You don’t even know me?”

Hearing the question, Rebecca turned to the officer and replied “ I don't need to know you. You’re a woman. I know you know the difference”

“The difference between what? Replied the officer

“ green and red, you know the difference”

Shocked by that statement the officer simply nodded and moved on with the interrogation.

“Do you want to tell me why your footprints match the ones at the scene of the crime?

“It matches because I was there. I was in the room, I remember walking around it as it bled out. Trying to get my steps to match its breathing”

“ You say “it” Rebecca as if we are discussing an object why”

“ I don’t recognize it as human, not after that night. The only fitting term aside from monster is “it” “

Rubbing her head the female officer continues “ you keep saying that night, do you mind elaborating?”

Rebecca stood up and began pacing the room again. Finally sighing she hugged herself and replied “ that night my soul was snatched from me by a monster who couldn't comprehend the difference between two simple colors, two simple words, two simple actions. That night I learned, I had to be a warrior, a healer, a friend, and most importantly a teacher. That night is the reason why right now I won’t pretend it wasn't me but I also won't pretend I regret it because I would do it again. I would paint that whole house red if given a chance. If it meant that night would never happen again”

Looking at Rebecca as she stood there in pain. The officer finally understood the motive and why she was called to question the young girl. A girl who would now serve time for trying to teach someone the difference between two simple words. Rebecca wasn't the first teacher she encountered but her outlook was indeed special. Standing up, the officer looked at her and said “ I know this doesn’t matter but I want to apologize on behalf of those who didnt give you justice, forcing you to feel the need to teach a lesson. I hope not just the court, but the world listens to your story and understands its meaning.”

Looking back at her Rebecca sighed “ I doubt they will, I doubt those who need to will. But thank you for listening”

A few minutes later the officer left and another came into the room to take Rebecca to a cell. As they walked down the hall she passed a sobbing mother. She couldn’t help but stop and approach her. Rebecca looked into those familiar eyes and lightly whispered “ I’m sorry your son mistook red for green but I am not sorry I taught him the difference”