My lips curled in a sneer as I watched her try to
dodge the knife strokes, twisting her body to no avail.
Too late now, I thought triumphantly. You avoided
the pain for so many years. Now it’s time for your fair
share.
“If only you hadn’t been so selfish,” I said,
allowing the knife to carve little grooves and notches
in her skin. Blood was flowing freely now, trickling
down Missie’s body in bright rivulets. I was
momentarily struck by the stark contrast between the
creamy white of her skin and the scarlet drops of
blood. I rejoiced at the sight of those lacerations, filled
with a gloating happiness now that Missie’s body was
no longer perfect.
“If only you hadn’t betrayed us! We could’ve
put up with almost anything. But not this. You hurt
Mamma real bad. She’ll never get over it.” I cut deeper,
feeling a surge of righteous anger. Missie’s s writhings
were so violent that I had to hold the knife in both
hands and lunge at her with quick, jabbing stabs.
Muffled squeals of pain and panic burst from her.
My hands were shaking but a jolt of power
coursed through me. For the first time in my life I felt
strong, in control. I was beyond the grasping clutches
of hurt and fear.
“You stupid bitch!” I screamed. Fury rushed
up from my gut and poured out my throat, erupting
like scalding lava. With all the darkness in me finally
unleashed, I plunged the knife into Missie’s chest,
certain by the fountain of dark blood cascading out
that I’d hit her heart. For a moment the world
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