Sin of Autonomy

The monster peers through the living room window, his latest victim’s blood still dripping from his talons, soaking into the lawn. At first ponderance, weeks ago, he thought he’d dine on the family. Quickly, respect overrules his stomach. The parents’ cold demeanor make him tremble. Words profess love as their hands turn the key, locking the child inside. The boy’s eyes long since dull and empty. With audacious query he requests to play. “No,” they counter. “Not until you do all we say; think everything we claim.” Then walk away. The monster aspires to their mastery of cruelty. Some day.