Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Short Story

Inspired by the show Dexter.



I found out Elise was dead. They announced her suicide on morning announcements. I stopped and turned cold. Not because, as most people might assume, I was sorry for her. This was a new situation and I had to be careful not to give any hints that might let people see how empty I am. I thought about how a person who wasn't empty would react. How well did I know her? I had talked to her occasionally, but was not considered to be her friend. Should I pretend to cry? I looked around, most people seemed to be distressed, one girl is crying but I think she was a friend of Elise's. I figured that I didn't need to cry. I wondered if I might have something to do with her suicide. I stole 30 dollars from her purse last week. I didn't think that 30 dollars would cause anyone to commit suicide but it could be a final push. I felt chilled with fear for a few minutes, but nobody had seen me steal the money. Nobody would know that I might have had something to do with her suicide. I felt safe again. I almost smiled but I remembered that wouldn't have looked right to the class.

After first class (which, to my enjoyment, was cut short due to the teacher consoling the upset students). I watched a kid get harassed in the hallway. After a moment one of them slapped the back of his head. I was almost able to empathise with him. Not the kid being hit, but the one who was doing the hitting. I always have an interest in that kind of thing. An exertion of power over a weaker creature. It appeals to me. I almost wanted to join in, but I recognized the kid being bullied, an awkward but very wealthy student. I waited until his tormentors had dispersed before I approached him. I feigned sympathy for him, and apologised for not helping him. He forgave me. I knew he would. He would have done the same thing. He was a coward, I could tell by looking at him. I could befriend him, make him trust me. I could steal his things and he wouldn't have the courage to admit to himself that some he trusted had betrayed him. I smiled. He took that as a friendly expression and tried to make some small talk.

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