The Home

by Judith Sonnet

Peter’s own dad had abandoned him and his mother before he could even stand on two legs. Only, Peter’s dad’s method of escape involved a shotgun and an upraised chin.

“Before I go ruining what little life you had, how about you do me a favor, huh?” “Please, mister,” she said. “Anything.” “How about you try and scream?” Before she could, he sliced her throat wide open.

She’d been smeared across the bed like a bug against a windshield.

The Bible had been filled with horror stories to him, and he blamed many of his nightmares on it. And yet his parents insisted that he turn to it for comfort and security, despite all the beheadings, the torture, and the monsters the book held within it.

All who see him will fall. All who hear his voice will weep and wail. He is the manifestation of destruction, death, and the end of all things on Earth.