The Grotto

It’s said that real magicians never reveal their secrets, but neither  does the average person, it seems. No matter the deception, others remain oblivious to it, regardless, unaware that they’re being tricked. Though we may never know, exactly, we can only marvel at how they manage to pull it off so perfectly— But it can be quite the spectacle, so just sit back and enjoy the show.

bloodlust awakens, as you await my kiss, so docilely-- too late, you realize this love is a violent love, when i sink my teeth into the soft flesh of your throat, and you tremble, while your blood drains away, slowly changing your nature into that of mine-- a creature of the night, immortal.

I reach out to the empty page, only to get  the cold shoulder-- I can almost  hear it say, 'Just, go away!' as I'm struck with the horror I cannot create a thing!

The pain Dave felt was almost unspeakable. He sat there in the waiting room, the nail still in his foot. It had gone through his boot and foot both. And that is how he had left it. It was lodged in there good, he'd give it that. When he had tried to pry it loose, it only took the first tug before he’d given up, the shock of pain too much for him to handle. The slightest movement and the nail would tweak, and, each time it did, it caused him to wince, curl up his toes and grit his teeth and groan. And not only was he dealing with the pain, but his sock was thoroughly soaked with blood, making him feel that much more miserable. "Sir," the receptionist spoke from the window, "I'm so sorry you had to wait so long. They're getting you a wheelchair, as we speak." "It's okay," Dave replied, with a pained smile, "It’s really not that bad. I’ve been through worse." He lied. It was nearly unbearable. In fact, at times, he wanted to holler. ...

Joan walked in, set her satchel on the table. She paused and looked at Ray, who turned to her and flashed a smile. "How was the drive?" he asked. "I hated it," she stated and plopped down on the couch beside him. "I don't like the drive. It's too far after a long day at work. It's like still being on the clock another fifty minutes, when you're already tired." "I know," he said, taking her hand in his. "You do a lot for us. You really do. And I appreciate every last bit." "Stop it," Joan said. "You're gonna make me cry. You know I know how much it means to you. You pay me back in ways that say you love me. That's all that matters... And you'll find a job." "Thank you," Ray said and chuckled. "Now I have to think about whether or not I have a complex. And I don't want to be self-diagnosing ..." She punched him in the shoulder. "Don't be silly. You're bet...