"I've told you a million times, I won't. You're always after me!" she wailed. "Bass won't ever marry anyone, not even Kippie, and she's got dimples. Bass says—"
"Bass McDowall is not a real person. He's only an actor."
"He's the realest thing in the world. But he won't marry me, so you'd better forget it." She stepped to turn the Wall on again.
Instantly the ash tray was in Amanda's hand, the massive glass tray Dell had given her. She hurled it at the Wall, which shattered with a brittle explosive splintering.
Kathryn jumped back, wailing. "I hate you!" Frantically she manipulated the lever and twisted the ebony dials. "Bass, come back. Bass!"
Amanda patted the Wall seat. "Sit down, Kathryn."
Finally the girl sat down, sullenly rubbing her eyes with her fists.
"Kathryn, have you noticed that we never see infants on the Wall? We never see small children, either, because, Kathryn, you're the youngest person in this city. The week after you were born, the city hospital's obstetrical ward closed permanently."
Kathryn sobbed convulsively. "Who needs babies? I want Bass!"