“Hidden Monster”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Prompt: “What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens.” — Ellen Glasgow

Beside me, Heidi crumples into a little ball. My heart starts pounding. I already know what’s about to come. And let’s just say that it’s not going to be pretty.

I crouch down beside her and put a tentative hand on her shoulder. She flinches away, her hands balled into fists as she presses them against her cheeks. She’s already retreated into that dark place in her mind.

This is going to be a bad one.

“Hey,” I murmur, trying once again to put my hand on her shoulder. This time, she lets me. “Heidi, it’s okay. I’m right here. You’re not alone.”

She doesn’t reply, only opening her fists to press her flat palms over her ears. She doesn’t want to listen to me. Typical.

“I want to help you,” I say. “I’m right here for you. Anything you need, just tell me and I’ll get it.”

She shivers under my hand and begins muttering something under her breath. The curse. She’s started.

Panic begins rising in my chest as she continues mumbling what sounds like gibberish. But I know better. She’s about to unleash her full power. And I definitely do not want to be anywhere near her when that happens.

But it’s too late for me to move away. So I’ve either got to stop her or accept my fate.

“Heidi,” I whisper, moving my hand from her shoulder to cover one of her hands.

She continues her chant.

“Heidi,” I repeat, more firmly this time.

She still ignores me.

I take a deep breath. It’s time for extreme measures.

I grab both her hands and wrench them away from her ears. Immediately, she starts struggling, strangled cries mixing with her words.

“Heidi, stop it this instant,” I order, my voice loud and firm.

Still nothing.

I trap her arms against her sides as I stare into her eyes. They’re wide and deep pink, just like they always become when she’s creating a curse.

“Heidi!” I yell in her face. “That’s enough!”

She lets out a loud gasp, which is enough to interrupt her stream of words. Immediately, she becomes limp in my hands. I lurch forward to catch her.

I slowly lay her down on the ground and wait for her to come around.

Her eyes slowly flutter open. I breathe out a sigh of relief when I see her usual dark blue irises.

“What happened?” she asks with a slight frown. Then, her eyes widen. “Did I do it again?”

I hesitate slightly before shaking my head. “No, you just fainted. Here, drink some water.”

As I turn away to give her the water bottle, I try to compose myself. It’s better that she doesn’t know. I don’t want her to think that she’s a monster. Not when the rest of the world already sees her like that.

Final Comments: This one was pretty fun to write!

Overall Rating: 🙂