Content warning
This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.
The Fruits of Revenge
A Story Every Day in 2024 May 31st 152/366
It's taken me a lot to get here today. I don't like to go out much anymore. I know that my wife worries but it's a struggle that is all my own.
I had to come here today though and witness this.
I suppose in some ways I'm lucky because I can still function. I can still use my hands although there's some scarring from where I automatically tried to shield my eyes.
I miss my face.
I replay the events of that day over and over. What sort of a person has such hatred in them that they choose to destroy someone else? Because I have been destroyed. I'm still living and I can still do things: work, travel, visit the theatre. But now, I can't do that incognito. I don't blend; I'm a sore.
I watched a programme about Hawaii the other night. Stretches of land where the Earth has spewed its magma, oozing its molten mass over Nature's bountiful fecundity and scorching it to a ruin. A lumpy, misshapen landscape, distorted and altered beyond recognition. Liquid made solid.
That's me, after the acid attack.
My wife has stayed but I see her searching sometimes when I'm not looking directly at her. Her face shows sympathy, sadness and something else, that I can't quite identify. Wistfulness? Loss? If I turn, the mask of tact and compassion comes down like a shop shutter. She misses me, the person I was. I know, this body, this face is just a shell, and she tells me that but I know it's not the same.
He missed my eyes but on dark days, I wish he hadn't. Seeing life's reality hurts.
And now, I'm about to confront my attacker. I understand it was a case of mistaken identity, that there was no intended malice to me.
He looks so ordinary, this wrecker of lives. Sullen and scruffy, sat there in the dock. He's looked over at me and I see him grimacing, not with shame but because he doesn't like what he sees. He's repelled. I know exactly how he feels.
Looking at him, I understand more how that hatred to destroy can brew.
I'm feeling it now.
***
366 words
This links to, but can be read independently of, Revenge. Same event, different perspective.
Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please do leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.
152/366
About the Creator
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Keep reading
More stories from Rachel Deeming and writers in Fiction and other communities.
The Key to Success
Success is a destination coveted by many but achieved by few. It is not merely a result but a journey fraught with challenges, setbacks, and moments of triumph. Throughout history, individuals from all walks of life have sought to unravel the mysteries of success, each finding their unique path through perseverance, learning, and adaptation. This is the story of such a journey—a narrative woven with threads of determination, resilience, and the quest for personal growth.
By Ekombe haua day ago in Fiction
Comments (26)
I loved the ending line ❤️
Congratulations on your top story
It is not really that hard to feel hate and want to lash out, there are people hurting and being hurt. Yet to harm innocent people is what I cannot understand. I get if you attack your attacker though...life is a gift...we should use it well. Congrats.
The I miss my face line hit me
Fantastic writing.
It was trily a great work 👏
Great story, Rachel. Loved the part, "He's repelled. I know exactly how he feels."
Truly interesting!
Nice work on your top story my friend.🥳 Read this one before ! I prefer part one a little more but I like how they are done from various perspectives.
One of your best Rachel. This was a great read. Congratulations on your Top Story!!!
Rachel this is so twisted but also such an insightful piece!! Great work and congrats on Top Story!!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Very deftly done indeed!
I love it when you write the 'other side' of the story. I really enjoyed the first one. I think this one is outstanding. Great top story too. Nice one Rachel.
I'm ready to join him and do...whatever... Well done!
So tragic and authentic. You can feel the protagonist’s emotions so powerfully. Moving work, Rachel!
Oh man this hurts I really feel for the protagonist so sad 😔
Heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. And congratulations🎉🎉🎉
Every word, a sorrowful lament. But this line in particular for me - oh, this line: "I miss my face." My heart collapsed. You've crafted so deep a wound here. This piece of this continuing story is so brilliantly written. It stands on its own, but knowing what came before, I can only imagine what comes next. This microfiction reads truly real, palpable, ghastly, and I find it impossible to look away.
Oh boom! Congrats chum, on a deserving Top Story!
Brutally painful and so tragic. The sorrow and anger, each emotional note was skillfully rendered.
What Paul said. It’s so convincing, I feel myself turning away. Really compassionately written, Rachel.
I could feel the poor fella's pain. Well written Chum, as always. You get people...The whole thing reads so authentically. the understanding of his wife's mixed emotions - there's also no sign of him feeling horrible towards his wife, because he understands she can't help it...the way his whole thought process and feelings change when he sees his attacker again. Just impressive writing, Rachel! Off to read Revenge now too!
Incredible, Rachel! I love the ending line "I'm feeling it now." A unique and creative micro!!!
Oh my, although you mentioned acid attack, I didn't make the connection to that story, although it was just from 2 days ago. My memory truly sucks hahahaha. I hope he gets his revenge!