Sadness

d. But he knew what it took for the act to bear fruits. Careful choosing. Approaching the right person could result in untold riches. Perhaps even as much

proach to match the individual. The backward walking stunt seemed the right one to go with. Chatting face to face about their day, or the weather, with one arm extended forward, ha

Amongst the incoming crowd, a familiar shape caught his eye. 'Hang on, what's this, what's this?' Nick raised his binoculars and pinn

minutes. He was tireless and expectant. And then finally, she appeared. He threw his binoculars to disappea

er was carrying a plastic container. On top of it, there was bread next to something wrapped in tin foil. Nick craned forward, investigating the bundle as it cam

de an about-turn and stood with one arm behind his back and the other reaching for the clouds. 'A glorious day dear citizens, a glorious day indeed.' He gazed w

e contact, 'we ought to do something about your hygiene.' Nick rocketed to a standing position abandoning his meal, releasing midway his spoon to fall splashing in the container. He stomped his right foot and extended his arms on either side. His palms were facing up, and as he looked into the sky ready to receive a divine gift, he smelled the air with one nois

nother. She was reserved, holding a sombre expression he had never seen her carry before. A terrible thought

n, her head quacked, like trying to shake a spell away. 'Of

Mother?' Nick said

bbed her eyes. 'Oh my... I don't know,' s

reason to explain Mother's behaviour, or maybe, his

what is happenin

one before. Nick was already standing when Mother jumped distressed to her feet. His head had gone numb. He gawked at her, not knowing what to do. Her pa

stretched wide. And once as stretched open as physically seemed possible, her eyes twitched, testifying to a sudden s

cheek. One by one penetrated the flesh, fingernails first. Forcing them deeper and deeper. 'Stop,

ooked up, seeing in horror a hole where once her cheek was. Her left hand was holding the torn-out bit of flesh. Her right hand, pulled up to her forehead, was peeling a patch of skin downwards above her right eye. She went on her knees, making animal-like s