Page 15 of The Dire Legacy

Deer flit between the buildings. Birds and squirrels startle as I walk through the low brush.

My ears perk on their own. A strange noise comes from ahead of me. Heavier steps ricochet from a brick wall, obscuring the direction.

The low growl that follows pinpoints the source as a clawed hand curls around the edge of the crumbling building.

It’s higher than I could reach. Whatever it is, it’s big.

Taking a faltering step backwards, cold dread spreads through me when I bring up my empty hands.

The shotgun. I must have dropped it at the warehouse.

A brown furred creature appears. I’m pretty sure my head would fit in its massive jaws. Caught somewhere between dog and man, the half-breed stands on powerful legs and I watch it flare its nostrils as it spots me.

Shit.

Canines as long as my fingers appear as it pulls its lips back in a predatory grin.

The voice is deep and gravelly that erupts from its cavernous chest. “I can smell him on you.”

Chapter 6

Hope

It always burns the first time I pee after new kidneys. Not badly, more like a piss-shiver. Maybe it’s because I’m already giddy.

Leaving. New sights. New sounds.

And, another opportunity to escape. The new moments are the best to take advantage of. Routine breeds efficiency and I hate it. Same, same, same. It always means I’m stuck and caught and sliced.

Different is what I crave. A revolutionary day would be one I stay whole. All my piggies and squigglies in one spot: me.

A scream echoes off the smooth white walls, comforting me. If it’s her, it’s not my turn. I don’t know whichherit is, but she’s my best friend today.

I think there’s at least five or sixhersand that manyhimsthat all get the pleasure of being tied and dissected. There’s kids, too. They all sound the same, so I have no idea how many there are.

Little frogs in a lab, one piece at a time.

Jump ribbit, into your warming pot. Hotter and hotter, they care less and less. How long before they go past the line and take too much? Have they?

Another piercing cry snuggles me into my pillow.

If I escaped, would I be able to sleep without those calming sounds?

Agony of others is the soothing lullaby.

There might be something wrong with me, but I’ve never met someone normal enough to compare to.

Closing my eyes makes the time pass, I’m not sure if it’s daytime or dark. Without windows, time seems to curve into an illusion.

The guard standing at my cell door seems to be paying attention to it. He’s yelled at me twice now that it’s important for me to get up.

I was just getting comfy.

“Back up to the door.” Don’t stick my arms through and grab him by the balls. They just cut my hands off now. Bruno and his machete at the ready.

“Yes, daddy.” Flounce is a good word. I try to do it as the faceless helmet peers through the window at me. They’ve stopped being distracted when I get naked. I might save that trick for the next place. But, I can do my best to try and stick out my tits in this shapeless set of scrubs.

Good practice.

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