or the time she ordered a sack placed over my head to see how long i could hold my breath ( not long at all-especially since my screams sucked up the remaining air most quickly ) , or when she slipped her hand around my shoulders , and i thought i had finally done something to earn a sign of affection from her-only to have that hand move up and wrap itself around my neck and squeeze , to see if i could withstand such pressure as those who are born with their birth cords wrapped around their necks are sometimes able to .