Boys in the Valley

by Philip Fracassi

Deep down in the darkest parts of his mind, where the evils of the world are caged away for inspection, he finds fresh fear.

Let the boys eat with filthy palms. Get disease. They could use a good culling, anyway.

It is his love for the boy that weakens him. But that’s what love is, ultimately. A form of blessed weakness.

The instructions come to him from the flies. They are as clear and commanding as the voice of God.