crystal-lake-executioner
The machete stilled in his hand, raised aloft his head, poised for a swift downward stroke. His knuckles tightened on the grip as he stared down at the woman who softly called to him, confusion flashing in his obscured eyes. It could be so easy. But something in her defeated tone stopped him cold. He realized his breathing had stopped and he took in a ragged breath as the anger at his reaction began. His shoulders rising and falling heavily with each intake. The hand gripping the machete dropped to his hip. His head tilting down as he looked at the ground. Empty hand twitching, as his thoughts were filled with his Mother’s voice, urging him to continue to ignore the pleas as he always had done. What was different now? He rose the machete again, half-heartedly, looking directly in her eyes, before rolling his neck and looking, with a huff, to the side. The heaving breaths continued as he turned away only to quickly turn back and plant the blade in a stump near her head, taking off a strand of her hair with it. So close but he still couldn’t do it. Now crouched over her, he stared, anger subsiding to confusion again. He let go of the machete and stood again.
Life was flashing before her very eyes. Attempts of cries and pleas to spare fragile life. Trembling voice and gentle sobs. Threatened by a looming, tattered, disfigured-- rotted flesh. The living dead she faced. Wielding a stained blade. Baffled at the sight. Frightened gasps followed by screams.
Previously witnessing the slaughter of many innocent souls.
Haunted by the images.
Hands extended outwards to protect, a normal response.
“ S-stay back...
Please get back.
Don’t hurt me-- stop!”
Hushing her tone, closing her eyes-- Soon coming to realize the unfathomable being failed to strike her down. THUMP. Shifting a gaze towards the instrument that once remained tightly in his grasp, lodged into the trunk of the tree. Knees caved in, sliding down to meet the grass covered ground. Almost paralyzed with fear. Unable to fight or take flight- unable to take in the sight. Smell of rotting flesh swarmed her. Fumbling on words, finally she demanded.
“ Oh god no...
no.....
What do you want?”