Reflections: There are Monsters in my Closet (Part 3/6)

I remember spending time out on my grandparents farm, hiking out amongst the brush and walking along dry creek beds, my monster in tow. I worked on giving it commands, sending him to attack inanimate objects.

Practice disguised as play.

We worked well together, and it was quick, understood exactly what it needed to do. My grandfather said I was a natural.

One day I was out walking by myself with only my monster to keep me company. Ahead of us was a bird, perched on a branch unaware. My monster saw it first, their tail flicking in anticipation. It looked at me.

A trained monster can be deadly, but they will only act if given a command.

The bird wasn't a threat, but it was an easy target for practice. Without thinking about it, the command was given.

It was over in an instant

The blood and feathers on the ground suddenly made it too real and I was immediately filled with remorse. A senseless killing, a monster's purpose fulfilled.

I never really looked at it the same way again.