By Janet Stevenson
In pink theatrical fog, the magician maneuvers the bright yellow blade of a chain saw, exhibiting his skilled finesse before his attractive assistant climbs inside the stagy structured box.
After the buzzing blade makes its third slice, an enormous stage light pops and explodes with purple streaks that ricochet across and around his Abracadabra trickery box.
From inside the box, a high-pitched terrifying shriek leaves the audience bewildered. All at once, horrific gurgling sounds clearly explain her expiring struggle. The crowd panics when the curtain closes. Hordes of people run to the exits like a chaotic whirlwind.
Was this an illusion?
I guess we’ll never know. Well written, Janet. Not sure what was going to happen, but sensed something unpleasant could be about to happen “before our very eyes.” Edgy. Excellent.
Thank you Steve. Yes, I was looking to write something a bit edgy.
Interesting story. My question was never “Did the lovely assistant perish?” as it is clear that she did, but rather “Did the magician kill her on purpose?” Is he some kind of psychotic killer or simply incompetent at his craft? Upon reading that final weighty question mark was that he was perhaps the product of a society that rewards mediocrity, that he is of the generation of the participation trophy. Perhaps he grew up performing magic tricks for his parents and was never really good at it, but his parents heaped praise on him regardless, cheering him on as he botched one simple card trick after another, never allowing him to realize that he is a clumsy imbecile better suited to the life of a janitor or literary critic. Now, as an adult, on the night of his first big trick, his parents’ careless contributions to his undeserved self-esteemed have essentially murdered his beautiful assistant.
Hello Rob, I like the way you think. Let’s keep them guessing!