Mildred's Choice

Mildred Payne faced a decision long ago, in the years when she alone, she felt, held complete power over Pamina and her gifts. She could have chosen to be subservient to them -- to have sacrificed everything for their development, to have stood in the wings and gathered attention and praise, and maybe even worldly substance, second-hand. Yet, in order to do this she would have had to confront an issue intrinsic to her nature -- she would have had to acknowledge that she didn't understand everything that needed to be understood, she did not have all the information she needed to have. Mildred would have had to reveal that weakness to others as she tramped around trying to find those who did have what she was lacking. And in the process, she knew without a doubt, that she would end up losing control. The mere thought was anathema to her.

And so, Mildred decided on a different scheme -- she would control everything; every breathe, every word. She would turn this strange child into something she felt comfortable with. Nothing would escape her stubby fingers. She would turn the child against itself, and all the while be as powerful as God.