Justice

Deep breath. Hold it. Now, release slowly. Do that a few more times. Take a moment to notice the cool of the wooden floor under your naked feet. Look up at the sliver of sky between the shades. What shade of blue is it? Can you hear the birdsong? The traffic outside of the window? Are people walking by? Stay present.

It was just a nightmare. Remnant of the fleeting thoughts before unconsciousness. The past...

White walls. Pale grey tiles on concrete. Painting of Saturn Devouring His Son.

As I draw closer, the lights dim. Only the painting is highlighted. Only the painting grows.

Life-size, the scene. What is it about his eyes that look at me as if I'm known? Eyes aware of the atrocity and yet unrepentant?

I'm cold. From head to toe, yes, but my heart also feels nothing. As if the act of eating the body is commonplace. His body is still warm. His blood drools down my chin. I think of his acts as I exact my brand of justice...