Sometimes when you have X Ray Vision all you see is Monsters

Monsters

The walls are made of Whip Cream and the Clock has Red Eyes and ugly hands with painted fingernails.

They send an Angel to hold your face and she tells you there really are only three Commandments.

She holds your face like a child and says, They lied to you. There are only Three Commandments.

The gravy walls are watching you with small red eyes.

You prayed for X Ray Vision. You wanted a short cut to Truth. You wanted to be entitled.

You didn’t know about the fangs and four inch claws. You didn’t know honesty was expensive.

The Angel holds your face and looks deep into your eyes. She knows your type. This isn’t her first rodeo. She knows how to comfort you. She knows your fear.

Your clenched fist starts to relax.

The blood returns to your face. The Angel says you are beautiful. You believe her and you return the compliment.

“I get that a lot “ she says, half joking but not really. Her eyes are soft and ancient. She has a bad hair cut but it is pixie-like and gives her a whimsical air.

In the hall you see and hear the nurse’s station. They are relaxed, enjoying the night shift, enjoying the familiar darkness. They have worked together for a thousand years, on the night shift. They have hooves and cats eyes.

Monsters.

(c) Derek Houghton 2023