The young woman, just turned 18, had no idea what was about to happen. She had grown up knowing that there were monsters under the bed, monsters outside of the house, and sometimes monsters inside of the house. She had often wished for the strength to defeat those monsters, to walk around outside without fear. She was a victim of that fear, of the terror of the unknown. Would the strangers outside attack her? Would her father find another reason to be unreasonably angry at her? She did not know the answers to these questions, and that gave her more reason to fear. It was dark outside now, and she knew that most people would be falling asleep, feeling safe in their beds. But she did not have that luxury tonight. Soon, after the surroundings grew quiet, she would need to take care of the monster under her bed.

It hadn’t taken much effort, which had suprised her. For her entire life, her monster had seemed to be unbeatable, something so strong that she had thought she would never be able to win. But she had done it, and in a little while she would finish her mission. She knew that no one would find what remained of her monster, and that no one would ever know that she defeated it. But that was fine with her. If it let her sleep in peace at last, she wouldn’t mind being unknown.

Her neighbor’s body was starting to smell, and she knew she would need to dump it soon. She still needed to clean up the throw up that he had produced when he ate the posioned dinner she had served. He deserved to die, and she knew that no other little girl would have to suffer his degrading touch again.

The old detective was unperturbed when he saw the bloody body parts scattered cavalierly on the ground. His partner stepped carefully so as not to disturb the crime scene. Because this was his first day on the job, he kept asking questions excitedly, disturbing the train of thought of his older partner, who seemed to be in a reverie as he contemplated the murder site. “For someone who has been on the force for so long, you sure don’t talk much,” the younger man chattered.

Rolling his eyes in consternation, the old detective realized reluctantly that his young colleague was asking way too many questions and, unfortunately, would have to be his next victim.

In and out. In and out. like the steady tick of a clock

I count the minutes before getting on with my day.

Once upon a time lived a thing called love,

these nights, only our body parts remain.

i am half of a whole

only human

a mentor and mentee

still learning to love

growing

experiencing love

experiencing hate

knowing pain and happiness

i am broken

but i am loved anyways

i am feeling

♤

I stare at the painting hanging now on the wall and step closer, admiring the details. Something about the picture freezes me in place, almost gripping me with some invisible force. The colors, the shapes… the impressive dynamic. Almost as watching a living organism and not just splashes of paint on a regular canvas.

I look at colors that I used and bend my head slightly, thinking about what I feel.

The colors that fill this canvas are green, purple and blue. I blink a couple of times, something stinging my eyes. My love is bruised, just like me. Yet despite it all,

I wouldn't have changed it, not one bit. Bruised and battered as it is, it's still beautiful and makes me sigh. This love wasn't easy, but it was mine... and the thought of never loving this way... I just wouldn't be the person that I am now. I wouldn't be me.

The night is young and the air hovers with cheap whiskey and the stagnant breath of the nocturnal alcoholic, however, there is more to be said for those who roam through the vacuous sheet that is the night.

Possibly an unsatisfied career choice which led to a financially stable middle-class family.

Maybe a beaten down marriage cradled by the innocence of their offspring who keep them civil. Or just the young college dropout loathing a painful childhood that led to the maxed out credit cards and desolate bottles of Crown Russe. Nevertheless, I am here to fulfill the fantasy of a drunken one night stand and to give companionship to the splintered crowd that I now call my customers.

Lizzie Potts, let's make this quick

Lizzie Potts, you make me sick.

Lizzie Potts, your heart is black

Lizzie Potts, this is a fact.

Lizzie Potts, think you're the queen?

Lizzie Potts, you are too mean.

Lizzie Potts, you think you're smart?

Lizzie Potts, you have no heart

Lizzie Potts, you were the one.

Lizzie Potts, now I'm done

Lizzie Potts, I hope I'm clear.

Lizzie Potts, get out of here.

Lizzi Potts, what's your game?

Lizzi Potts, stop dodging blame.

Lizzi Potts, why'd you run?

Lizzi Potts, this isn't fun.

Lizzi Potts, you cut me deep.

Lizzi Potts, you keyed my Jeep.

Lizzi Potts, this is crazy.

Lizzi Potts, quit being lazy.

Lizzi Potts, you're on my list.

(Lizzi Potts, I'm really miffed.)

Lizzi Potts, I won't post bail.

Lizzi Potts, enjoy the jail.

Lizzi Potts, I shall prevail!