Dear Neighbor

I walked by your house last night while I was walking the dog. It's summer - your windows and front door were open. You were yelling at your daughter. You told her she was "stupid stupid stupid", "an idiot", and "an embarrassment."

It's possible that you apologized 10 minutes later. It's possible that you know the difference between being stupid and doing a stupid thing. It's possible when you thought about it you saw your indecision about whether she's responsible for her actions (stupid) or whether you are (an embarrassment, which means that her behavior reflects on you i.e. you are responsible). It's possible that you don't usually talk to your children that way, and that you don't really think so little of your daughter. It even possible that you regret what you said.

The thing is, I'll never know. What I know is what I heard you yelling at the top of your lungs. You have ruined my chance to join the ranks of the clichéd if you are ever found to be a murderer. Now I can't say that I had no idea; you seemed so normal and quiet.