This is my second entry to the NYCMidnight 2021 Microfiction Challenge! Unfortunately, I was super sick the weekend of the entry (thanks, COVID!), so I ended up turning my piece in late. Hopefully I will still get feedback, but it definitely sucks to be disqualified. In any case, I always enjoy writing about my oldest son, Charles.
Hope you enjoy!
Charles pawed at the folio of shiny pages. With a gentle push, he knew the glossy thing would slither off the side of the wooden perch and smack satisfyingly on the wooden floor. Charles mused on the humans' love of wood. Slippery. Terrible for ambushes.
Mother’s “magazine,” filled with squiggles and scent-free likenesses of humans, dropped to the floor with a satisfying slap. Young Brother Victor startled at the noise, woken from sleep across the room, curled in a basket.
Good stay vigilant, young one.
Brother Victor was a special boy. He needed protecting. He slept too deeply. He did not serve as a particularly competent protector of Mother, but… he was warm to curl up with.
Charles scraped at the sleek cover of the magazine with his claws. He easily flicked it open. His mouth watered. He bent forward, delicately puncturing the thick paper with sharp teeth. He pulled his head backward, dragging his teeth through the cardstock. With the first bite, he was lost in the pleasure of destruction, and he began tearing in earnest. Bits of magazine paper stuck to his rough tongue.
Movement.
Charles froze. He waited.
There. Spider.
Charles rushed forward, ducking behind a basket filled with toys. Charles knew this foe could give a terrible bite. He must be swift. He settled his balance, preparing.
Another movement.
Brother Victor gamboled across the room, clumsily approaching the skittering creature. His whole body wiggled, preparing to pounce. Charles hissed a warning. Brother Victor froze.
Charles pounced.
Prompt:
