The treehouse club was his refuge. It wasn’t really a treehouse, but he could see trees through the attic dormers. He figured that was close enough.
It wasn’t really a club either. He was the only member, there were no dues required, no rules to follow. The only prerequisite for inclusion, he testified later, was a contempt for life.
He hid there unnoticed, watching and waiting. The voices cajoling him to take another.
His victims, even after years of therapy, continue to believe in things that go bump in the dark.
Demolition of the now abandoned tenement begins at daybreak.
Thin spiral notebook 
Oh my god, creeeeeepy! You do realize it’s June and not October, right? 😛
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Nice to see that this week my character isn’t the only one hearing voices – but in her case it’s a very, very good thing (my case/her case, w/e). I went from getting an innocent vibe (like a kid being in that clubhouse), to creepy (because, you know, he had victims). Nicely done!
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the voices . . . the voices . . . Tara, you are a scary, scary writer . . . which is GOOD!
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Wow, this is something.. and I mean that in a good way! For so few words you have communicated quite a life. I recently met someone online who has endured unimaginable horrors in her teens. I thought of her when I read this. Such telling details – he testified later, voices cajoling – excellent, imho!
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Scary! I think I’ll leave the light on tonight!
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I love that they are still alive and still fear “things that go bump in the dark.” Makes the piece even more chilling. Excellent. Thanks for sharing.
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Creepy! I hate to think what he might have done to them… Kate (Trifecta Guest Judge)
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The fact he didn’t murder them makes this even grimier and grislier and greater. Wow at the dark imagery and that picture really hits it.
well done….our collective psyches are kinda of screwed up and awesome. Can’t wait to share drinks this weekend and wonder what’s in them. lol
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We really are a couple of sickos bro! I guess it’s better to put it all to paper than leave it to brew in our brains.
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Wow! Really well done.
The last two lines kicked the creepy into high gear.
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So, if his victims “continue” to “believe in things that go bump in the dark”, then they’re still alive? My first impression was that this guy was a murderer – but not? Or am I way off base (like I really missed something – which happens ALL the time)?
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I was working on the premise that someone doesn’t have to die to be a victim. There are a few crimes that I would consider worst than death.
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