The Pretty Ones

by Ania Ahlborn

The man who smiles when things go wrong has thought of someone to blame it on. —Robert Bloch

A criminal showing appreciation to her own executioner. A Salem witch filling her own pockets with stones.

Nell stared at her supervisor, her coffee mug continuing to scorch her hands. “All I’m saying is, if you don’t like the life you have, make the life you want.” Another zing of pain. “Yes, ma’am,” Nell whispered.

Maybe their self-confidence, their too-loud laughter, and their compulsion to surround themselves with friends were all to cover up some deep-seated hurt Nell couldn’t begin to understand. Perhaps everyone was broken in their own way.