By Billie-Leigh Burns
A demon comes to visit a few times a week, normally when I spill something or forget to flush. Tonight, I’m extra careful with my apple juice, and I checked twice the last time I went.
Mommy washes dishes while Daddy watches TV. When his team misses the winning goal, his string of bad words cracks like a whip, and she drops his mug, shattering it to pieces.
Mommy and I freeze. Here he is.
The brown bottle slowly rises to Daddy’s lips and the demon makes home in his skin. Lips curled in a sneer, he glares, red eyes glowing.
Oh wow. Wasn’t expecting that!
That was quite the twist in the tale. Compelling.
Chilling and, unfortunately, too often true. Excellent writing!
Well done. And so real.
Vividly told – the child’s perspective makes the narrative all the more poignant.
Oof! A powerful ending to a beautifully constructed piece.
Thank you so much to everyone who has read and left such lovely comments! As a former teacher, safeguarding children is something I feel very strongly about, and I hope I’ve handled this subject matter appropriately and with respect. I hope one day this story becomes nothing but fiction.
What a beautiful thought that this story be nothing more than fiction someday. The number of children and women facing the scenario you depicted (so well) is heartbreaking!!
Really good!
This is a powerful story that will be remembered for weeks to come. Congratulations on a well crafted and thoughtful story.
Chilling, and so true in too many families.
Well done!
So powerful is so few words. Memories came flooding back. Well done.
Thank you so much, and I’m so sorry that this brought back memories – no one should have these memories. I hope you’re in a much better place surrounded by a loving chosen family.
A well-crafted piece with a strong message. Well done.
I loved the POV and skillful choice of the narrator.
Both grandpa and step-grandpa were alcoholics and I heard hair-raising stories of their behavior to my dad. At sixteen he became a Christian and that quite literally kept him human by comparison.