The Much Love Monster

THE MUCH LOVED MONSTER

a short story by 

Repus Vas

His nana’s cheek warm and soft hides the deceit. Doubt is felt, would she tell?
The day’s events yet all done, still hung heavy in the air. Good-nights exchanged, he now stood at the bottom of the stairs. Before him his fears ominously loomed.

The 60 watt illumination was not enough to chase the murky shadows fully away. Edging step by step he stopped upon reaching the realm of shadows. That 2 x 2 hatch guarded the landing below.

Behind it lay the monster that would take him should he dare to rise from his bed.

Heart pounding he gripped the handrails ready now to launch to sanctuary.

1, 2, 3. With all the strength the 10 year old could muster he pulled himself across the forbidden pathway. Bursting through his bedroom door turning quickly tightly closing the portal.

The next bit was easy; all he had to do was leap over the end of his bed.

He had avoided the creature waiting underneath to pull him screaming for his absent father into the colorless abyss below. Straight under his blankets he dove listening intently for any sound of the darkness monsters. Assured of safety now thoughts turned to the greatest monster of all, the one he loved so much. Quickly, quickly go to sleep avoid the air-brakes of the hissing serpent arrived at the end of the street. Too late! He’s here. Silently terrifyingly wishing him away; the closing of the back door sounds his arrival. Heated conversation echoes from below as nana tells the tales.

Work weary footsteps climb the stairs. Hide! Hide young child! Slip beneath the protective covers. He will not want to wake you.

Eye’s screwed shut. Listening. Please, please, please do not stop just come all the way up and kiss him goodnight, stroke his head tell him you love him.

The creaking step; he’s halfway here. There! It’s the groan for his aching back. Intently listening all falls silent! Broken by the sound of the rod slipping from its metallic restraints.

He’s coming go to sleep before he comes.

It’s too late. The icy blast engulfs his fragile curled up body; the brilliant light blinds his tiny delicate eyes. His tiny hands try to shield himself, monstrously towering above the whistle of air heralds the rods rapid decent. Stinging blow after blow falls upon his tiny frame; vented frustration rains down upon the boy child.

Searing pain rips him apart unable to comprehend the reason for the great shadows fury.

His tiny voice echoes through the shadows ears. “I'm Sorry Daddy!”

It ends with the monsters sigh and the child is left to ponder his words. “I’m sick of telling you, when will you ever learn?”

With tearful eyes the boy seeks comfort and protection back under his covers.

Yet still yearning approval from ‘The Much Loved Monster’…….. 




Until Next time .......... Repus Vas