This story is written for #WriteTribeProBlogger challenge, inspired by the prompt, “Monsters”.
Monsters under the bed
“Daddy, can you check for monsters under my bed?” asks 15-year old Tina.
This was a daily ritual now. Sanath would bend down, check the darkness beneath, and then smile at Tina to assure her that there wasn’t any monsters there. He’d then give her a hug, tuck her in, and give her a kiss on the forehead, before going to his room across the hall. Her door would be open, just a smidge.
“How much longer will this go on, Sanath?” asks Rashi, as he slides into bed.
“Till it has to,” he replies, knowing that’s his truth. Rashi becomes silent.
Two years had passed, but Rashi remembers the night all too well. It was the first and last time she had seen Sanath’s anger. Her uncle, who had been visiting them, had excused himself after dinner. They had thought he was asleep, but it was only when they heard Tina shouting that they realized the monster had been under her bed.
Liked this? Maybe you can read some of my earlier posts: for Write Tribe | Short Stories.
(© Vinay Leo R. @ I Rhyme Without Reason,
23rd October, 2017)
Vinay Leo R.
Poetry & writing are to me, a breath of fresh air in a life that is sometimes covered by the smoke of sorrow or self doubt. They also become the sweets I share to celebrate when life offers me a reason to. But most of all, they are to me, my life. For each word I write is a piece of my heart, a thought that just had to find its way into the world.
I wanted to cry, as I read this. Luckily, Tina has a wonderful champion who will help her slay the monster.
I think that that support would pay off in the end, Apeksha. It’s a hope, at least.
A lot said still unspoken. Seems he had different monstrous plans.
He might have had, indeed. Thank you, Pragun.
Ouch, the story towards the end became horror. 😀 Whatte!
Yeah. A different, unexpected monster, no? Thanks, Ashwini.
Wow, what a piece of writing. Loved it ya. I know of a person who was abused as a child and it is painful.
It is painful to imagine that situation, let alone know someone who experienced it, Shruti. Thank you for the “wow”.
🙁 OMG a lot said in fewest words. Loved it
Thank you, Z.
A very apt story for our times. After reading your post I realized that we both have written posts on similar lines. I guess these days monsters are less creatures of night and more humans with monsters in their soul. I hope you’ll like what I have written too 🙂
(Prasanna Rao recently posted… Monster)
I will come read your post soon, Prasanna. I agree with you. Monsters aren’t mythical anymore.
That is so sad! But a lot of times this is the reality 🙁
(Reema D’souza recently posted… #MondayMusings : 5 ways to make Mondays better)
I know. That makes it more sad, Reema. Unfortunately so.
As much as I love your writing, I hate this story, because it’s so close to the terrifying truth for many children.
As much as I love my writing, Corinne, it wasn’t easy to write, because I know it is reality for many. Heart felt heavy as I wrote it, but it’s the first thing that came to mind with the prompt, “monster”.
Oh god thats horrifying! I have a very lecherous uncle who once made me very very uncomfortable about 20 years ago. I have made sure to be never be alone with him again and even when I meet him I am cold and wary. Telling my mom about it didnt help as it would “ruin my reputation”!!!!
(SHALINI BAISIWALA recently posted… The monster on my mind [ #writebravely ])
Sigh. Yeah. People think family are okay, that we’re safe with them, but that’s not always so. 🙁 Sorry to hear about your experience, Shalini Baisiwala. Good that you’ve kept him at a distance since then.
I’m not sure if my previous comment was lost in network restrictions at office. Leaving a comment again 🙂
No one is safe and no relationship is sacred anymore. Sad reality of life. I have written on similar lines. Monsters are not creatures with ugly faces or deformed body. Rather they are as normal looking as you and me. The monster lies in their soul.
(Prasanna recently posted… Monster)
The previous comment went into moderation, Prasanna. I agree. Many monsters in close proximity too, sadly. 🙁 Hiding in plain sight.
My heart ached as i read this…If it was in my power I would stop this from happening to any other person!
If only all this monsters would become non existence from this world…It is sad that our govt still doesn’t take strict action against such heinous acts 🙁
She was lucky enough her dad came to know about it and protected his daughter…many a times kids cannot even describe what happened to them and go silent about it as in a small age, many girls/boys do not even understand what happened to them! For them it is just a monster…a night mare!
If it was in my power, I’d stop it too, Keerthi. My heart felt heavy as I wrote it too, because I knew I’d be stepping into the shoes of many such Tinas. 🙁
Yeah. Many monsters, but very few who rescue, or children who are even able to understand or talk about that. That becomes a nightmare for sure.
My heart ached as i read this…If it was in my power I would stop this from happening to any other person!
If only all this monsters would become non existent from this world…It is sad that our govt still doesn’t take strict action against such heinous acts 🙁
She was lucky enough her dad came to know about it and protected his daughter…many a times kids cannot even describe what happened to them and go silent about it as in a small age, many girls/boys do not even understand what happened to them! For them it is just a monster…a night mare!
If it was in my power, I’d stop it too, Keerthi. My heart felt heavy as I wrote it too, because I knew I’d be stepping into the shoes of many such Tinas. 🙁
Yeah. Many monsters, very few who rescue, or children who are even able to understand or talk about that. That becomes a nightmare for sure.
Oh dear! Hope Tina did not have any scars of the night on her. Sometimes, it’s the person(s) we least expect who turn out to be complete monster(s). Lovely piece of writing, Vinay!
She might have scars, Sreedeep, because that night still haunts her after all that time, no? 🙁 But we can hope the support of her parents will help for the scars to fade sooner rather than later.
Oh my God! But this is a reality , most of the times children are abused sexually by relatives.
(Aesha Shah recently posted… How Will I Kill This Monster Illness)
Unfortunately so, Aesha. 🙁
Wow!
So much expressed in such less words… You weave tales Amazingly
Thank you, Nikita.
We need to slay these hidden monsters!! This story filled me with so many emotions, most of all anger for such monsters, yes that’s what they are, true monsters!
(Nibha Gupta recently posted… The Hidden Monster)
It’s tough, because such monsters are hidden in plain sight, Nibha. We don’t know, till we know.
Experiences like these are really traumatic and may last a lifetime.
Loved the way you’ve used the prompt to put across the story.
(Geeta Nair recently posted… Monster)
Yes. It’s a scar that takes time to fade, I’m sure. Thank you, Geeta.
Sigh. Can’t really call this fiction. I’m glad that her dad is giving her time to heal.
No. It can’t really be called fiction, I think. True story of so many out there, Ishi. That time to heal is important.
I wish every child had a dad like him.
(Anjana recently posted… Do me a favour – Part 2)
It would be nice to have a supporting parent, I’m sure. Thank you, Anjana.
Unfortunately sometimes its the ones we trust the most who turn out to be the monsters. Sad but true.
Yes, Mahak. They hide in plain sight till we realize, and by the time, it might be too late. 🙁