There’s something about the eyes… on one end of spectrum there is the innocence and obedience of a submissive friend that needs to love and be loved.

At times an almost completely selfless creature.

But if you stare long enough and observe him in the right light, really truly look upon him. You can see the shadow of the animal....

Woman: Love is lie that keep us alive.

The woman and man lay in bed. Bodies naked, entwined.

Man: It can’t be no lie... If it were, then what is this?

The woman sits up.

Woman: Oh. Well... this isn’t love.

The man retracts, pulling on his clothes.

Man: That’s okay. But love it ain’t no lie. It just don’t exist between us.

The man exits....

It’s hard to be ashamed when hurting her feels so right.

The movement of her body is erratic and sharp, my hands rung tight against her skin.

She wants it to stop.

But could I if I tried?

I pause... Overlooking the mangled flesh into her eyes.

There it is, I can see it now.

Mine own reflection.

It stirs me and ignites the monster... I couldn’t possibly stop now.

She screams and cries,

and cri...

He is young, but old enough to know that Santa didn’t come. He notices the empty tree and scratches his head.

Why didn’t Santa come? What had he done wrong?

He sighs and wipes nose.

The boy pulls up his ragged blanket, coughs and lays his head down.

Maybe next year... he thinks to himself....

You open the front door to see a layer of fresh snow, with foot prints leading out your house... but you haven’t been outside yet... there’s no time to get a proper coat or even shoes.

As your feet touch the snow you wince, it’s beyond freezing but you can’t stop here, you have to catch him.

The gun in your hand begins to chill, making it hard to hold the cold steel.

The footsteps weave and slid...

They walk into the gas station, the automated doors sounding a polite ping.

Jerry: Imma take a piss man, be back.

Mark nods and walks to the snacks, he lifts the bag of chips and examines the price: three dollars and twenty-nine cents.

Mark: (whispers) damn.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out forty-five cents. He shakes the change around in his hand, the empty feeling rattling his head.

...

The man stares at the woman. He sighs.

Man: I ought to smack you.

Woman: Why don’t you?

Man: I don’t know.

The man slides his ring off. Sets it on the table.

Man: Why did you have to go about it... like this?

The man nods at her naked body, she pulls the bed sheet up to cover her. She is scared, her movements cautious and delicate.

Woman: I... I’m sorry.

The man lights a cigarette. Sits d...