Loony Bin

Mom and I are on the couch.
We’re watching some movie.

The door opens
and he walks through.

daddy.

My mom lets out a squeal of happiness
and runs towards him.
He holds her near
while I watch in fear.

Has he come to hurt us both?

He looks towards me
and smiles
but not terribly
but instead sweetly;
the way that daddy always did.

I find myself smiling,
he’s not here to hurt us.

I run to him
and give him a hug.

It feels nice to be in his arms.

I lead him to the kitchen,
he must be hungry.

Mom made us sandwiches,
I want to give him his
to make sure he won’t
stop loving me again.

He takes a seat at the table
and mom joins us as he takes his first bite,
he lets out a moan of approval.
He gives her a kiss in thanks.

“This is delicious sweetie.”

I look up,
my eyes wide.

Daddy’s back.

I grab a knife,
it’s long
and it’s sharp
and it glistens underneath
the poor kitchen lights.

Mom and daddy look towards
me confused.

“honey, what are you doing?”
I let out a scream
as I run towards him.

He lets out a scream
as I shove the knife into
his chest.

Mom lets out a scream,
loud and screeching,
her hands covering her mouth.

daddy’s gurgling blood
his eyes wide
with fear
and sadness.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”
Mom is yelling
I’m still stabbing.

My arm is tired
but I need to make sure
Daddy dies.

He falls to the ground.

There’s so much blood;
on the ground
on me
on mom.

She’s standing over him
sobbing,
trying to pump his chest
to make his heart work.

“WHAT DID YOU DO?”
Her voice sounds so broken.

I’m confused.

Why is she trying to save him?
I’m trying to protect me,
protect her,
and she’s trying to save him?!

She jumps up and calls the police.

“Mom―”
She looks towards me in fear,
her eyes wide.

She’s backing away from me…
She’s running away from me.

She screams as she flees down the street.

I cry
but smile as
I look down at daddy.

I’ve defeated him.
I killed Daddy.