MicroHorror

Like so many people are, I am attracted to you. They see your strands of golden hair, see your silky skin and flock to your beauty. They see your kindness to the poor, to the old and to children, and they raise you up like a god.

I am not like them. I love you for a different reason. I love you because your spirit shines. I know they can’t see it, but I do.

Of course, people like you never notice me. You’re too caught up in a world you see as beautiful, beautiful like you, like your spirit.

So I have to adore you from a distance, ever wishing to talk to you, to travel with you, to help you in some way, but realizing it’s a waste of time.

I wish to break away from the grip you have on me. But I can’t. You are just too amazing.

I whisper your name. I say things to bring you to me. I tell you not to be afraid, that I’ll never hurt you, and I’ll never let anything hurt you, but you have to come to me.

You don’t hear. You can’t hear. Only the lonely, the desperate, will ever hear the likes of me. But the lonely and the desperate don’t shine like you.

Then, one night, I see you cry. Something has come over you, and I don’t know what it is.

You’re sitting at the vanity, head down. You think you’re alone in the room, but I’m there, scheming, seeing my chance. I move right up to you, but you still don’t notice me there. I whisper in your ear.

“This cannot be fixed. It’s terrible, and you will always feel this way.”

You sit up straight, look into the mirror.

“The only way out is to end it.”

You stand. I can’t believe it. It’s working. You speak, giving knowledge, the fuel I need to drive you.

“Damn it, Paul. Why did you leave me?”

Yes, Paul. He shines too. He’s your boyfriend. At least, he was. I whisper.

“He won’t come back. He’s stopped caring. There’s only one way to make him care again.”

You turn your head and look right through me like I’m not even there. I see where you’re looking.

“Yes. It’s the only way. Hurry! Do it now! Hurry!”

You move to the sliding door, walk out on the balcony, look over the rail. You place your face in your hands and cry some more. Your will is so strong. Now, just this once, mine is stronger.

“You can’t go on without him. You can’t live without him. It’s the only way.”

You get up on the rail, close your eyes, let yourself fall.

I’m to the bottom before you are, waiting, watching you descend. Your body lands on a car, smashes its roof, sets off its alarm. Nearby, women scream. You get up. Your spirit shines even more now. You look at yourself, seeming to notice the glow for the first time. Then you notice me.

Welcome.