What are you eating, Mother? May I have some?” “No Teddy, I’m afraid these are for grownups only.” I stared as Mother took another one out of the bottle and placed it in her mouth. I wished I was old enough to eat it. Mother grabbed an oversized head of greens and stuffed it into my lunch box. “I don’t want any broccoli! Put it back!” “You need your greens, Teddy, they’re good for you.” “But, Mother! You never eat your greens.” Mother swept her hair behind her ear and gave me a pat on the head. “Let’s get you to school.” She flung open the closet and brought out my big warm winter coat. My awesome Batman backpack was hung on a hook by the door. I lept for it, and slung it across my back. “Oh, dear, you forgot your mittens.” After a pair of cozy mittens were placed on my hands, we were on our way. It was an everyday kind of day outside. It was too cold to play, but too sunny to just stay inside. The clouds seemed to dance on the bridge of my nose. I peered out the car window to find it. In the place it always was, Toys "R" Us. The front windows were wonderfully decorated with the things I adored most. Legos, blocks, and those straws you can stick together. Because I knew, I knew that what I wanted to do was build. When I put things together, I could make anything. I loved it so much because this gave me power, in a way. The ability to form and dictate my own world, to shape wonders in the way I wanted it. Even then I knew it, this was my calling. “Mother! Can we go to Toys "R" Us after school? Please I promise that I won't make Mrs. Jackson angry again, or anyone else. I’ll be good! I promise, pleeasee?” “You really promise?” “I do! I promise!” “I won’t get a call from the principal today?” “No way!” “Well, I suppose I can work something out. Alright Teddy, I promise I can take you to the toy store after school.” My small, child mind seemed to have never been so thrilled. This was rare, this was my golden opportunity to seize everything I’ve ever wanted. Today was gonna be great, I could taste it in the morning air. “Is this your stop sir?” Mother looked back and pinched me. Outside was a world of learning and discovery. And I loathed it. I thought school would be ten, or even a hundred times better if one day, nobody else showed up. “You’ll do awesome, Teddy.” And just like that I was in that horrid world. My classroom was cramped, yet it had just about every color spread across the floor and walls. I headed for the only logical place to go; the play section. I sat down there and began my day's work, with all the toys I didn’t have at home. “So, are you gonna tell me why we decided we’re not going to do our math today?” I looked at her, and said nothing, I just turned around and continued what I was already doing. “So we’re gonna just go sit here, and not do anything today, huh? I guess we’re just going to have to call home, huh?” I wished that I could make Mrs. Jackson disappear, then I could do whatever I want, forever, and I wouldn’t have to worry about stupid things like my times tables. But, if I didn’t listen I knew that I would get in trouble, and then I wouldn’t be able to go to the toy store later. Reluctantly, I sat up and slumped into my desk chair. “Good choice, Teddy,” Mrs. Jackson remarked. My eyes fell on the paper, and there must have been glue on it because they were stuck. I couldn’t make sense of these numbers and symbols. No matter how hard I racked my head, I couldn’t get a single thing right. I guessed this was probably why nobody at school liked me. I would probably have more friends if I knew what four times five was. A kid named Milo threw down his pencil and strutted up to the teachers desk. “I’m done!” “Are you sure it’s all correct, Milo?” Mrs. Jackson took the paper out of his hands and closely examined it. “Very good, you may have free time.” Gradually more and more children finished and began to run around the classroom. But I had barely moved my pencil. A cuckoo clock mounted on the wall seemed to be completely stationary in time. My head fell between my arms when I felt a slight pulling on my hair. I turned to see a girl with pigtails giggling behind me. Behind her, a multitude of other children glared and laughed. I didn’t bother to learn any of their names, all they were nothing but trouble to me. “Why can’t you just leave me alone, just let me finish my work!” The girl smirked, Milo took the paper out of my reach. “Boys do go to Jupiter to get more stupider,” The girl remarked. “It would be really bad if your paper got destroyed right now. Then your ugly butt would be in so much trouble…” “He kind of looks like…an old grumpy cat!” Everyone’s eyes were on me, the last place that they should be. I couldn’t very well manage my own reaction. “SHUT YOUR STUPID MOUTHS, AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! GOD, ALL OF YOU ARE SO…DUMB! YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING!!!” Like I said, I had lost all control. What I did, I wouldn’t say, was at all my fault. ..…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. “No-no, what I mean is…I was mad, okay? I mean, well, nobody even tried to make me feel better. So, I think, I think, it was his fault.” My finger was directed towards Milo’s pitiful, sobbing, face. A hard blue ice pack was held to his eye, and his neck was damp with tears. Mrs. Jackson stood between both of us, arms crossed. I knew I was going to have to apologize, but this sight was just too satisfying. “Everyday, without fail, you manage to make everyday so much harder for everyone else, Teddy. And it’s not like we haven’t talked about this. I’ve tried, over, and over again, to talk to you, to help you understand, to make you realize, to let you feel some kind of remorse. But no, you never listen, you never understand, you never realize, and you never feel remorse.” “It wasn’t my fault, so I swear it won't happen again.” “Here’s the thing, Teddy, there won’t be a next time. The code of conduct states that after all of your offenses, you should be suspended.” My head was spinning in every direction. I had gotten in trouble before, but I had never been suspended. Even worse, not only would I not get to go to the store today, but I would most likely never be allowed to go anywhere fun ever again. I didn’t have a clue as to what would be my next move. I was completely cornered. I couldn’t comprehend this punishment, after all, there is no way it was my fault! I got to my feet and searched for the office door. I needed to get out of here, for good. “Teddy!? Where are you going?” My legs carried me like a wounded soldier. The sight of the hallway sped past my eyes. I didn’t check to see if anyone was on my tail, even if they were, I wouldn’t have paid any mind to it. The seemingly glowing front doors were right in front of me. I dashed into a new world of freedom. The birds sang a sorrowful song for me, the treetops shrouded me. I really had messed up this time, and I didn’t know where to go. What I most hoped for in that moment, was for Mother to come and hug me, to tell me how to fix this, to love me and forgive me. So I went to the only place I knew how to get to, home. I was out of breath, and nearly frostbitten. I double checked every turn I made, I scouted for cars that might try to alert the school of my location. Brisk air nipped my nose and ears, but I was just about there. My house was still there, same as ever. However, I saw a big bright truck in front of it. A blaring horn raptured my ears, and lights of red and blue flashed across my porch. I was so intrigued. I stepped up to the front door with my ears covered. Everything would be fine if I could just explain it to my Mother. I went to knock on the door, when I found it already half open. All of the lights were off, I could hear noises coming from upstairs. Gingerly, I ascended the staircase, my heart seemed to sink further with each step. Will she forgive me? How much trouble will I be in? “Hi…Mother, I came home. I’m so sorry.” Despite that, the eyes that turned to greet me were not my Mother’s at all. A tall man in a bright, yellow jacket met my gaze. My knees started to feel weak. “Excuse me, do you know where my Mother is?” He turned to reveal some sort of white bed. On it was a woman. It looked like my Mother, but I knew it wasn’t her. She wasn’t smiling, or laughing. Her skin wasn’t ivory, but instead it had a blue tint that shone over her like a storm cloud. Her eyes didn’t glisten like Mother’s, they were small, and seemed devoid of a single hope or dream. This woman wasn’t my Mother. What have they done with my Mother? Where has she gone? Before I could catch myself, rivers made their way down my face. The men, the blaring horn, they all suffocated me. My legs could no longer hold me up, I had fallen deeper than the floor itself. It seemed, as if, a chunk of my guts had also turned blue. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… “She isn’t coming back, is she?” “No Teddy. You win some, you lose some.” Father dismissively waved his hand at me, and once again turned his gaze to the television. The room seemed to have a piece missing, without her. Father rocked back and forth on his chair. Part of me hoped that he would console me, but his expression was as cold as that woman’s. I felt so drowsy, as if I could never run, jump, or dance ever again. I wouldn’t if Mother couldn’t. “I’m going to sleep for the night, Father.” Tonight, my pajamas made me itchy, the walls had eyes that pressed against me. My only friend was gone. The only thing left to do was sleep, then maybe my mind would forget and be distracted. I knew my tears were pointless, after all, tears would not bring Mother back. So I held my head to my pillow and closed my eyes, hoping a dream would welcome me. A new universe spun around me. A universe of my own mind’s making. I saw scenes of the past whirling around my body. Like a tornado, buildings, furniture, and forgotten memories seemed to float in time. But I was there, and it all felt so real. Unlike most dreams, I wasn’t fatigued nor had I forgotten my own sentiance. For a moment, I wondered if I myself were gone just like Mother. I tried to pinch myself, to go back to my own universe, but even when I blinked I could still see. When I opened my nostrils, I could smell what I imagined an afternoon nap might smell like as a baby. When I lifted my arm, a sycamore tree bent towards me. I kicked my foot, and a gust of wind swept the hair in front of my face. I was alive, and I was in control. My heart and guts were lifted instantly. I felt I wasn’t alone after all. I spotted a delicate figure deep in the void. It stood at the edge of my world, it looked so lonely. Filled with a sudden burst of energy, I sprinted towards it, calling its name. “Hello there! Are you also dreaming? Do you like this world?” The figure now faced me. I took a step back and marveled at her. She wore a glorious, Victorian era dress. Deep, black bows laced themselves across her back and chest. The frills of her long skirt were as white as fresh snow. A velvet light shone around her attire and lips. A long, twisted, braid laid itself on her neck. Her skin glowed that same ivory, her eyes, they had enough hopes and dreams to fill the ocean. “Teddy, I’m so sorry for scaring you, dear.” I immediately accepted her warm embrace. When I did, everything I ever worried about dissipated. The universe around me now showed a beautiful garden, one I had never seen before. I acknowledged that these must be the memories of my Mother. The air was as warm as her hug. “I never did take you to the store today, even though I promised you.” “All that matters to me is that you are here, Mother. You are doing okay. And that is what I care about.” She smiled, and put her hands on my head. “Won’t you please come back home with me, Mother?” “I wish I could, Teddy. But, this is where I live now, and this is where I must stay.” I stared up at her glowing, maroon, eyes. I was waiting for an explanation, perhaps. I was waiting to tell me this was all a joke, although a cruel one. I didn’t want her to be trapped here. I wanted her to have a voice and influence as much as myself. “But, you can’t stay here forever! Then you wouldn’t be able to do the things you want to do, or say the things you want to say!” “That’s why…you will do that for me. In the mortal world, being forgotten is inevitable. Please try your best to keep my memory alive. Have everyone recognize me. After all, I am too great of a person to fade from existence.” “Absolutely, I mean, of course. I wouldn’t ever want you to be forgotten, Mother. I will do whatever you ask of me.” She let go of me and gazed at me for a moment. I thought she must be so proud of me. Someone was now relying on me, and I had to do my best to fulfill my requirement. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… The next week, and in turn, all passage of time seemed to flow so incredibly smoothly. I didn’t have a single concern, for now my Mother was always with me. In fact, nothing even felt real, I felt as though I could do anything. When I saw it, the open casket, I was clever enough to know it was just an illusion. If Mother really were gone, then I wouldn’t be able to see her in that universe of mine. Father couldn’t see what I could. Sometimes, he told me he was glad to be rid of her. I told him he just needed to look closer. I couldn’t wait to climb into bed, shut my heavy eyes, and go there. “What’s bothering you now, dear?” “It’s school. Now that I’ve returned from my suspension, it seems everybody hates me to an even greater extent.” “That doesn't make any sense. What reason would they have to hate you? You’re my son, and you’re perfect.” “I don’t know. I wish this endless torment would just stop, for once.” “Have you tried to fight back?” “You know I have, Mother. But everytime it just lands me in more trouble and consequences.” “I can’t stand that my own child has to endure all of this. Next time you feel that someone has done wrong to you, please fight back. Regardless of the consequences you shall retaliate, because you deserve so much more. When you’re this age, nothing you do matters at all. Please, Teddy.” The universe once again faded from my view. And I was faced with the reality of daytime. My clothes were laid out on my rocking chair, the morning rays of sun made them shine so wonderfully. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… A book was placed in front of me. It had drawings of a litter of kittens. The kittens were nursing on their mother, and then there was the runt. While the rest of the litter was consuming the milk that would soon allow them to develop themselves into strong cats, the runt had been pushed back. The runt didn’t have anyone to guide him, or allow him to develop. He was set to fail, and completely weak and useless, for that, I despised him. I felt a painful sensation in my arm. It was wet, and was utmost uncomfortable. That’s why I wasn’t at all surprised when I saw what it was. That girl with pigtails. Grinning at me. Has hygiene ever even crossed her mind? Why does the education system let me endure this? “Haha! I got you with my sharp fangs!” I don’t like it when people that I do not like, treat me in ways that I do not like. She kicked, she screeched an awful lot. You would have thought the world was coming to an end from the way that little girl whined. This time I listened to what Mother said, and the results were so much more gratifying. My teacher’s face. You had never seen one filled with so much disdain and exhaustion. To my disappointment, she heroically marched over and grabbed me by the shirt collar. She dragged me all the way to the office, while mumbling curses under her breath. She practically slammed me on the cold, hard, bench and slammed the door right behind her. I was content with the fact she was holding back tears. To my surprise she did not hit me nor scold me. She simply wrapped her arms around my shoulders, and held me to her heart. “It’s gotta be tough, losing a parent. I’d know. You never realize how much you depend on them, not till you're out of time. It all goes…it all goes too fast, don’t it?” Now the tears behind her eyes had fully released themselves. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you, little troublemaker. But, all I know is that I can’t leave you alone like this. I don’t think that you understand what you did was wrong, but all I can hope is that someday you will. I should’ve been warmer towards you, shouldn’t I have? So whenever you need somebody to talk to, remember you can give me a holler.” “You’re wrong. She isn’t gone at all.” I was smiling when I got to my front door. I had planned to have a nice cup of apple juice and watch a movie after school, alone. Afternoons always lit me up. Father never bothered me at all, I only ever talked to him when I needed something. He was always pleasant to have around. “I’m home! Could you please pour me some apple juice?” No answer. But, I could always just get it myself. I stepped into the kitchen and was greeted with a stranger’s laughter. I didn’t know who that was, or what there could possibly be to laugh about. That was when I met her. A woman whom all the laughter was coming from, was positioned right next to Father. She wore an overgrown smile, with her hand around my father’s. She smelled deplorable, like a plethora of sugary desserts that would certainly give you a stomach ache. “Who is this woman, and why is she in our house?” “Oh, hey there little guy! You must be the one he’s been talking about. You’re Teddy right? I’m Rose!” She stretched out her hand, presumably to shake mine. I held back. Who knows how dirty those bright, pink fingernails of her’s are? She put her hand back, disappointedly. “Is there anything you need, little guy?” “No, no, there isn’t at all. In fact, I think I am in need of some rest. I will be in my room.” I glared at Father as I stormed into my room. Now that I recall, he also seemed a bit angry at me. However, I didn’t have to explain myself. I simply didn’t trust this stranger. .…………………………………………………………………………………………………… I saw them alot together. Whenever I did need my Father, she was always stationed right beside him, like she was permanently glued to him. Even when I tried to correct her, all she did was belittle me. She called me what were supposed to be cute names, and felt the need to hold my hand whenever I went anywhere. She had no respect for me. She would go shopping for my Father, but would forget to buy me my favorite cookies. Instead she would force me to eat vegetables. Whenever I went to the playground, she would insist on pushing me on the swings, and spinning me on the mary-go-round. When I wanted to sleep and fall back into that universe of mine, she made me brush my teeth. This woman seemed to consume my whole life, bit by bit. Who did she think she was? Now I am joyful in the anticipation of my eighth birthday. Out of all the holidays, this one has always been my favorite. Everyone was focused on me. Everyone only existed for my pleasure. And best of all, they adorned me with gifts. I didn’t know what I was looking forward to the most, maybe a cool Transformer, or a massive Lego set. Either way, I would be receiving both. I energetically hopped off my slippers, and into my fresh, fluffy bed. “It’s almost your birthday, Teddy. I can’t believe my baby is already eight years old. I am so proud of you.” “I know. Will I be receiving a present from you?” She stood silent. And scenes of my past birthdays flashed in the sky. “I wish I could be there for you. But I expect your Father has been doing a great job.” “That’s what I want to discuss with you, Mother. There is this woman, she calls herself Rose.” “ …What an awful name.” “I don’t know who she is, or where she came from. One day, not long after your disappearance, she showed up in the kitchen. I think she wants to erase you, Mother. She wants to fill the space you used to occupy. She wants to kill your memory.” She stepped back cautiously. The universe started warping towards her. Gigantic skyscrapers flew with bridges and mountains. The sky now displayed a little boy. He looked weak, and useless. He wore a white, button up shirt. All of his clothes fit so loosely. He had scruffy, blonde hair that was nothing short of a rat’s nest. His eyes, dark and emotionless. That’s when I realized. That sobbing, helpless, child was me. Mother’s face seemed to fade. She now spoke with a monotone voice. “This isn’t good, Teddy. When will you accept your assistance, and be grateful? Let me rest.” “What do you mean?” As soon as I said that, my universe seized. I opened my eyes to find my house, but every room was in this sort of grayscale. I heard faint whispering. I turned to find the walls covered in many faces. They were screaming through the walls, trying to force their way through them. I ran to the middle of the room, and crouched while covering my ears. Though, I could still hear them. “She’s gone. She’s gone. She's gone. She’s gone. She’s gone. She’s gone. Collapsing…wake up. Wake up. WAKE UP.” They had finally broken through. The house was folding in on itself. They stretched their arms through, all grabbing for me. I was now eight years old. Now that I was older, things were looking less bleak. I felt a surge of excitement that made me jump out of bed. I sprang into the living room and announced it; “Today is my birthday!” Father came up and patted me on the back. “Big deal, huh kid? Rose has your favorite on the table.” I glanced over there to find the dining room table garnished with the most delectable waffles. They were fluffy and some even had fruit or whipped cream on them. I immediately sat down and began to dig in. “Those are your favorite, aren't they? I usually make pancakes, but I guess I just didn’t know how delicious waffles were! Happy birthday!” After that, she briefly put her lips on my Father’s cheek. I felt sick to my stomach. How could I confuse something so nauseating, to something so delicious. I looked down at my full plate with disdain. “Is something wrong? Feel free to have as much as you want!” I stood up, and took my plate to the trash bin. I looked Rose in the eye, and dumped my whole breakfast in. Father put his fist on the table. “I uh, forgot to tell you he’s allergic to whipped cream!” “Oh really? I didn’t realise that. I’m so sorry, Teddy. “Why don’t you and I have some family time and I can take my son bowling. How does that sound for a birthday party?” ….…………………………………………………………………………………………………... The bowling alley was packed on a rainy Saturday like today. Plenty of families were making memories. They were all together, all so blissful. I pressed my face on the claw machines. With luck and a quarter, one of these toys could be mine. Rose eyed me with pity. “Doesn't he have any friends to bowl with him on his birthday?” “That’s just the way he likes it. But to answer your question, this has got to be about the loneliest kid i’ve ever seen.” I struggled picking up the ball. It weighed down my entire body. I kept my eyes on the pins. I mustered up all of my strength and managed to drop the ball. The ball walked itself off into the gutter. “Tough luck, kid” Father yelled towards me. “Hey Teddy! Don’t feel so bad. Here, I have a little birthday gift for you!” Rose handed me a well wrapped gift that fell into my hands. I didn’t plan on accepting it, but I began to open it anyway. Inside a red, plush, teddy bear smiled at me. His nose was a heart and his eyes were buttons. Next to him was a tag that read, ‘I like you, and I’m not lion!’ I shoved the bear back, and pushed it into her chest. I stared at her with pure resentment. “I do not like you, Rose.” Tonight my universe was especially active. I was surrounded by deep red imagery that seemed to display my life up to this point. I saw myself in preschool, playing tag with a couple of other kids. I saw myself being embraced by my mother as I began my first day of school. I saw myself sobbing while my Mother was carried away from me. I closed my eyes as tightly as I could, but the images still presented themselves. “Mother, where are you? Please, I need you.” I watched as, like a magic trick, she materialized in front of me. “What do you ask of me now, dear?” All she was, all she had been amounted to, was a headless, legless, body. Is this what she meant by her fading? I tried to think of what she looked like before this. I couldn’t imagine it no matter how hard I tried. “You will not accept Rose, she wants to replace me, she wants to harm you.” “I know this, I wish you could help me. I wish you could come back and erase her.” “End her.” “What?” “Destroy her, she is a threat to your well being. If you don’t, you will forever be miserable, and I will be gone.” “But…I can’t…She is…I will…” She slowly came beside me and went up to my ear. What she whispered, I won't ever repeat. I fell to my knees and my mind spiraled. I never got an apology, or an explanation. I was ignorant then, but she would never appear to me again. Rose must go, or my own Mother will. I began laughing. If I got rid of her, you see, I would truly be happy. If she didn’t exist I would never have another problem again. And everybody would love me and praise me. ….…………………………………………………………………………………………………... I eyed both of them intently. This had gone on for too long. Joy was not so far away now. Rose leaned against the table, cackling as usual. Her and my Father both held a pale, yellow drink. Their faces were strawberry pink, their clothes were most formal. On Rose’s finger was a ring of silver. My heart sank. “We can go start a new life wherever you want, sweetheart.” “Mhm, we could go to Miami, or even Vegas…” They pressed their faces together and Father’s hand was placed on the top of her leg. Father’s phone in the other room began to ring. “That must be my brand new boss! Wait here a minute, He won’t keep me long.” I seized my opportunity. I stepped up to her with a grin on my face. The pale yellow bottle on the edge of the table caught my eye. She looked down at me with a dumb smile. Before she could react, I snatched the bottle from the table. She tried to get it away from me, but Rose was too slow. I swung the bottle to the corner of the wall, and it shattered directly over her head. Life leaked from her eyes and forehead. She whimpered, and I stared and told her. “You will not try to stop me. You care about me too much. You care about my Father too much. You care about your family too much to do anything.” “Teddy.” She held her hands together in a prayer formation. Tears ran like rivers down her face. I grabbed a huge shard from the ground. It made her neck feel as if it were butter. I favored this feeling rather than being frustrated. I would be getting the last laugh. She was below me now, for she most likely wished the worst of me, but she could not act on it. Her breath increased rapidly, she was losing her atrocious color. I went for the eyes. Ruby explosions tantalized me completely. There had to be complete symmetry, I directed my strength towards both nostrils. I stood back and admired my work. There could not be a place where Mother used to be. I thought that this had to be the most positive scenario. I had won. In the end, I had all the power, all the control. I had formed my own outcome, I had created my own pleasure. Rose’s head slumped over. Her pupils no longer pleaded for my mercy. Her hands were as cold as my expression. I thought about how she looked like Mother not too long ago. I sat down with Rose, holding her hand, waiting for my praise. I don’t know what caused my panic at first. It may have been the screeching, or even the sirens. I wasn’t completely open to leaving with men whom I didn’t know. Nevertheless, I went with you. Since then, you have completely desensitized me, do you know that? I have sat here long enough, haven’t I? After all of your punishment, I realize my misstep. If I ever did such a thing again, I understand that if you found out, I would receive punishment. I surely do not want to have to tolerate this discipline anymore. Have I not behaved as you wanted me to? I have grown old and more mature. I have achieved a higher education, my mind has been fully developed now, has it not? I have become so bored, having to be here on my own. I would like to live out my remaining years in peace. I would like to be forgiven, maybe even forgotten. I think now is the time, I have paid my price. You should release me.

She never thought that at the young age of 15 she would be cooking, telling stories, and loving children no less than if they were her own. But what choice did she have? These pitiful kids had no more of a loving home than she did. It was a damp, cold, basement structure. The twelve lives lived in it were more of an existence, really. Each life seemingly waiting for the day where they would no longer have the need to conceal themselves. As far as the most high tech Census knew, they were all dead. The skin that each of them wore was as pale as a dim crescent moon on a snow covered night. Her hair had turned from daisy gold, to a now a high bun that had somehow through the stress and lack of sunlight, turned gray. She wore a gown that was now covered with stains of every type to be found in a place like hers. Any sparkle of light in a world like hers must have been flooded in a desire to see her friends again and live the way she used to. Whether anyone she knew was still alive is a guess as good as mine. The children often asked questions she could answer, for she had more education than everyone there, albeit, still very little. But occasionally they would ask questions of family and past that a verbal answer of hers would simply not do for. The first time she saw me her voice was cut. Something in those dark eyes drained of life, told me that she had little trust for who I was and what I've done. I threw my hands up, dropping my gear, and kept the empty smile that I usually had. “I’m here to help.” I told her as I slowly backed up. A spark of recollection seemed to have crossed her. “You, You’re no better than all those other-... you, might even be worse.” “You’re on the wrong side!” Her eyes were slit, and she slowly drew a small pistol at me. In response I took my gear and held it out towards her. “Please, just take it. It might help you survive for even just a little while longer.” The two young children behind her stared curiously at me, because for many of them, they had not seen an outsider in a very long time. Their skin too, was pale, and their eyes dug into their sickly faces. She knew her day had come when she peered out of a small peeping hole and found a truck outside her dwelling. She had expected this would happen sooner or later, in fact she might have been even the least bit excited for a change of scenery and the promise she would still return to those she loved. She uneasily stepped down from the peeping hole with a grim face. His face wilted. “Don’t go- not yet.” “It’s what’s best for all of you.” He began to gather all of the children and assign them different places to hide. The children watched, wide-eyed as a girl who, for the last 4 years had been a mother to them, promptly opened the storm door and walked out followed by the sound of a gunshot. “What happened? Where’s mama?” The 4 year old blind child kicked and screamed. “Shhh Shh, it’s okay, it’s okay, everything will be fine.” “Mama! Let me go! Let go of me!” The children surrounding her whispered to each other as to what might have happened. He finally put his hand over the girl’s mouth to muffle her screams. This was just in time for just a second later, 4 strangers came berating through the doors to see no monsters fit for them to take. What they didn’t know was when they emerged back to the surface there would be no monster above for them either.

As soon as they returned to the truck they couldn’t help but notice the sound of flies coming from the back. When they unlatched the door, what was once a pale, skinny, creature was now blood splattered over the surface of steel flooring, trickling down the surface of its body. A man cautiously walked over and picked up a pistol with a now empty ammo compartment. “You’d think a smart one would try to shoot us.” And they drove away