“Pathetic!” Father bellowed, looming over Joe. “Get it right, boy.”
Of all Father’s extreme drills, Joe despised “the spelling game” the most. “P-U—”
“Wrong!” Father struck Joe’s cheek. “You’re pathetic.”
The next evening, after years of fear and abuse, twelve-year-old Joe declared freedom.
“Wake up!” he yelled, standing before Father’s recliner.
Drunk, Father struggled against tightly wound ropes, duct tape covering his mouth.
“Retribution. That’s your word.” Joe glared at Father. “Best get it right.”
Father turned red, making unintelligible noises.
“Don’t understand? Here, let me show you.”
Joe lifted Father’s ax, smiling. His cheek no longer hurt.
About the Creator
Heather Hagy
Stephen King fan (but not like Annie "I'm your #1 fan" Wilkes cuz I'm sane and she's not)
Horror/supernatural are my favorite writing genres
Wife to 1 and mom to 4 humans, 4 dogs, 6 cats, and a dragon
"Jaws" is the greatest movie ever
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Comments (3)
I am with Donna on this one, Joe deserves a medal! So much drama and horror in such a short piece. Well done, Heather!
Horrific!!! Left a bloody ♥
😱! Can’t help but root for Joe here! Nice job!!!