Psycho

BEFORE MISSING

‘Often its the deepest pain which empowers you to grow into your highest self.’ ~ Karen Salmansohn

‘Happiness is . . . A long hot shower’

The shower head sprayed out long hot spurts of water which hit Marion like acid rain, she leaped out of the way of the roasting water which was causing the whole bathroom to steam up. She lowered the temperature of the faucet and slowly dipped her hand into the showers reach to check if it was still boiling. But this time it was cold.

Marion slowly dried herself off drying her luscious blonde hair first and moving down from there. Something about showers always got Marion thinking, and this one was no different. Marion had came up for the tittle of her new book. A psychological thriller which was about a young man who moved into a small town, after running away from the troubles he had at the city -they troubles being theft and murder - he would slowly grow to hate this new town but knew he couldn’t leave after he picks up a job as an artist and becomes quite successful. People would ask him what his inspiration of his abstract work would be, and all he replied was imagination. But he knew no normal mind could imagine what he imagined and could see what he saw. Body’s of the innocent. Marion knew that it would be a bestseller or well she hoped it would be as her last 6 books flopped and her agent was getting tired of her postponing this one. Marion was going to call the book, psycho.

Marion slowly got ready, putting on her finest red dress which would only be used for special occasions - this day was no exception, today Marion would show her editor the book. - she slipped on her heels, and grabbed the script to the book. And off she went walking with confidence through the rough streets of Derry. Only stopping to chip change into a homeless mans cup. Marion arrived at the restaurant she was meeting the editor at, and sat down on one of the leather seats. After the editor arrived Marion and her took a toast too celebrate her book being finished. The editor slowly read the first chapter, as Marion poured another glass of wine. The editor always pointed out things about Marion’s Book that she didn’t like.

‘Gustavo slowly reached for the kitchen knife, and without hesitation or even emotion he lifted the knife up above his head and swung. Lodging the knife so far into leoroy’s brain. Do you not think thats too gory? Any of your other books aren’t like that’ Marions editor said.

‘This ones different.’ Marion proudly said

Marion was always a writer but never a horror writer which she always dreamed of becoming. And maybe this book was her chance.

The editor pushed the sheets of paper together and looked pale like what she saw terrified her. Like she didnt expect Marion to have such a gruesome side too her.

‘I cant Marion . . . I cant publish this, i really cant’ She said.

Those words really hurt Marion taking her back to a time where her english teacher mocked her style of writing.

‘Well you need to’

Marion stood up and stormed out the restaurant.

She knew she needed a shower.

Marion walked home and opened her apartment door without having to unlock it. This frightened Marion because she was sure she had locked it before leaving. She didnt think much of it but and after having a lousy look around her home she knew it was time for a shower, and to cry.

Marion undressed and stepped into the shower turning the faucet on to a perfect heat. Something she couldn’t do that morning. She let it all out tears flooded her face, but so did the water.

Something or someone turned marions shower experience really frightening. Marion turned around as she heard a loud bang outside her shower. Something was inside the bathroom with her Marion knew she shouldn’t move but she couldn’t stand still, her body shaking almost uncontrollably. She looked up to see a shadow.

The shower curtain swung open to reveal itself a man with a kitchen knife. Marion gasped and tried to fight the man off. He swung slashing her cheek, but marion fought back and grabbed the man, and the shower head and pressed him up against the wall. He slashed at her leg leaving a deep gash on her right thigh, but Marion was able to strangle him. Marion knew he was knocked out but still kept strangling him. Pressing harder and harder. Until his face turned bright purple and the circulation around his neck was gone.

Marion couldn’t believe what she had done but instead of feeling sick or even scared she laughed. Not a relief laugh, but a laugh of joy. Like she enjoyed the encounter she just had.