LatinosUSA

«The Devil’s Paradise» by Precious Magdaleno

«Of all people, why me? Why am I here again?» 

I’m sweating as I clutch the sheets, fear slowly settling deep into my bones. My mind is dancing, spiraling with doubt, and each thought is louder than the last.

«Welcome to my paradise,» you said. And I can see your deceiving eyes, darkened and wild, burning through me.

«Why am I here?» I ask again, my voice barely above a whisper.

You smirk. «I enjoy seeing you suffer. Let’s have some fun. Don’t kill my mood, or else.»

Jaw clenched, I can hear the drumbeat of my heart. I hate it. I hate it. I glance around, searching for a way out, but there is nowhere to hide. All I can see is darkness, stained with crimson. Not mine. I don’t even know whose. I’m hopeless.

«I don’t want to be here,» my voice cracking. «Just leave me alone. Please stop; let me go.» I plead.

I can’t hold it back any longer. Tears spill over, streaming down like a waterfall. Then here’s the drumbeat again in my chest; it grows heavier and heavier. It’s sucking me. I can’t breathe, but I have to breathe. I’m trying. Trying it harder.

Silence lingers. 

A creepy silence with other demons watching, clapping their hands with approval.

You say nothing. But then you laugh—a bitter, jealous, evil kind of laugh.

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*featured image from https://unsplash.com/@lucaslafotografia

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Author’s Bio

Precious Magdaleno is a Filipina night-time poet, artist, wedding planner, and crazy cat lady. She has written and curated two Filipino book anthologies, “Magkasintahan Vol. XXV and 2.0 XV,» under Ukiyoto Publishing and co-authored ten other poetry book anthologies internationally. She values her faith and family the most and draws inspiration from them in her daily life. She began writing after falling in love with classical arts and literature. She finds it therapeutic to write about anything that inspires her, and she will either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. Follow and connect with her on Instagram: @lettersfromprecieux