The trap door beneath a 10-year-old

By: Doug James

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: October 2, 2026

Words: 662

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 2 days ago

I was 10 years old, in the juvenile holding cell of the county jail.

I looked down at the floor. There was a perfect square. About four feet by four feet.

A deputy stood in front of me. Badge, handcuffs and gun: He made an impression. Authority? Power? Yes, I was intimidated.

He explained to me that I was standing on the trap door. Of the gallows.

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