By: Ariya Bandy.

They told us to be on the lookout. The creatures can look like anyone, and we are their protein. I’ve seen it so many times in stories. Years of my youth spent blowing off homework are finally coming in handy. I’m an expert.

My husband revved into the garage an hour early, fumbled to lock the door, then kept his brown Oxfords on in the house. Someone clearly didn’t study the role. Without hesitation, I took him down with kitchen scissors to the jugular. Still haven’t gotten all the blood off my wedding ring.

#

The autopsy report came back.

Human.

© 2024. Ariya Bandy

Ariya Bandy is a writer of fiction and poetry whose debut chapbook, Painted Winds, is out from Bottlecap Press. Her work appears in 100-Foot Crow, The Horror Tree, anthologies from Querencia Press, and elsewhere. Find her online at @storyofariya.

Posted October 2, 2024.