Internet 24

Through Kate’s Eyes

Imagine you just got home. You don’t have any groceries, and the only food you have is frozen and needs to go into the microwave. You slam that frozen dumplings and few taquitos in there, and now you must wait. Not seconds but minutes.

DING, it’s done. You can’t eat it immediately as it will burn your mouth. You wait and wait and wait and wait and wait and then… you take a bite.

Yes, they are a bit freezer burn and were the cheap knockoff, but they taste so good in the moment, and you are satisfied beyond belief. You lack your lips. That is this moment, watching Lou stand there.

Everyone stares at Kate as I walk over to Marcy. She has a bit of fear in her eyes. That’s understandable.

KATE

I was afraid you weren’t going to do it. I’m proud of you, girl!

ADAM

Did you mess with my lights?

I look up at the lights. Did I break them? Was that some kind of magical interference or the storm? They look fine. Either way, I can’t afford to fix them. A—

KATE

Don’t worry, they’re not broken…I think.

I snatched the paper out of Lou’s hands. He didn’t react or move, so my spell went without a hitch. I sit at the table, waving the paper between my fingers.

KATE

If they are, you can put it on his tab. Nothing to say? Right, my bad.

KATE

Lou, look at me.

When I speak, my lips feel warm. I notice golden flames spark from my tongue. It doesn’t burn, as the heat is comfortable. The look in everyone’s eyes as they stare at the fire flying out of my mouth feels…good.

Lou turns to me.

KATE

You can talk.

Lou’s eyes are full of rage. His words are laced with a burning malice. Yet that’s all he is, a barking dog stuck on a leash. Lou’s body stays stiff and doesn’t move as I see the golden flames appear and restrict him every time a finger moves or even when a muscle tenses.

LOU

What’s going on here?

KATE

I’m helping Marcy.

Marcy steps to me. She is cautious. I get it. This all came out of nowhere for her. A car battery shocks the nerves to see your best friend and boyfriend argue…. Ex-boyfriend.

I pick some curly fries off her plate as I talk. I put some fries on a napkin and pass it to Manny. If this came as a shock to anyone, it’s him. He just learned about Lou, and now he is seeing me like this. It’s a lot to take. I know a snack will help calm his nerves; it always has.

He’s hesitant, but he does pick up the napkin and starts his nervous munching. I turn my focus back on the conversation.

MARCY

How is whatever this is helping?

KATE

You said you were afraid he would do something to your organs when you broke up with him. Now, I made it so he can’t do anything without my say-so. Right?

Lou stares at me, refusing to answer.

KATE

No answer. Then nod for me.

I walk to Lou as he resists, nodding his head. It doesn’t work, of course, as my word is the law. Everyone gawks as I get right in Lou’s face. His sharp teeth are now candy corn, his talons are mere unkempt hygiene, and his overwhelming power is a remnant of the past.

By their expressions, it’s clear everyone is worried for my safety. Now, to show that there is no need for fear.

KATE

Give me the doll.