Retribution

Author's Note - I usually struggle with creative writing. But, I believe this story was a success. I really emphasized the variation in time, going from the future to the past, and then back to the future.

Two men faced each other, one with a gun in his hand, the other with nothing but a petrified look upon his face. One of the men kept his gun pointed at the other, eyes planted on every single move he made. The other man was tied to a folding chair; his hands were placed behind his back. His wrists were bound with a cord, producing intricate knots. A piece of duct tape was placed over his mouth, so when he screamed, no one could hear him. The man with the gun positioned the other man in the corner of a small, gloomy room. A lamp was shining on the man, as single drops of sweat slowly trickled down his face. The man with the gun imprisoned the other man, intentionally kept him away from his loved ones, so he could finally seek revenge. Revenge. It’s all the man with the gun wanted. The men’s relationship with each other was similar to the relationship between a carnivorous, powerful lion and a fragile, refined gazelle. In the end of a harsh battle, the lion always won. The graceful gazelle, otherwise known as the man with the gun, knew he was going to win this battle.

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            Calum Doherty was never a people person. On a daily basis, he’d take a swirly in the grimy, ghastly toilet, third stall from the left. As his head would rest against the cold rim of the toilet, he’d see Colleen, the woman he’s madly in love with, in the premises of the toilet water. Elegant like a mermaid, her long, curly hair would swish side-to-side at the beat of her steps. Calum indulged the bitter toilet water. He knew deep in his heart he’d allow his archnemesis, Shamus Byrne, to make him lick urine just for one chance to hold her, to love her. Colleen’s aroma of violets filled Calum’s nose. How wonderful they seemed to smell. Forget the fact that the water smelled of bleach. Forget the sight of the mineral drips down the sides of the porcelain like some dirty little tears. Her smell, her scent, her essence was divine, and trumped every single stupid nasty experience that Shamus could throw at him. The calls of seduction were ringing in Calum’s ears. Her voice chirped like a baby blue bird. Such an astounding voice! Shamus cursed foul words around him, forcing Calum to drown in a puddle of neglect. Thoughts bounced and leaped through the segments in his brain, similar to Colleen descending throughout the hallway. Colleen’s face materialized in Calum’s brain. The sight of her blue eyes, curved lips, and stubby nose made Calum’s heart race like a stampeding horse. Colleen was beginning to become a part of Calum, a part of his heart. Her silhouette, her exquisite smile was engraved into him. Calum didn’t love anyone as much as he loved Colleen. He new if he would open up to her, the feelings would eventually become mutual.

Two weeks passed since Shamus tormented Calum last. Calum knew this situation was surreal. Even though Calum had a deep hatred for Shamus, he had to hunt down his predator. He darted through the hallways, anxious yet irritated. As he turned around the last corner, he saw a sight he thought he would never see. Shamus and Colleen were prancing down the hallway, hands intertwined. Colleen pecked Shamus on the cheek, and then they departed their own ways. Calum went into a deep state of shock; he couldn’t move a single cell in his body. He kept thinking to himself that this situation wasn’t real, that it was just a dream. But, it was a lot worse than a dream– it was a nightmare. Calum refused to accept the truth that his rival and sweetheart were head over heels for each other. There was no way that Calum was going to allow Colleen to plummet deeper into Shamus’ trap.

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            Calum grasped the gun close to Shamus’ head. Ah, how terrified he appeared. Eye contact wasn’t lost between the two of them – similar to a childish staring contest. Shamus’ eyes glistened with tears, tears that trickled down the side of his face. He had never expected his life to end at such a young age - he had things to do, things to see, things to prosper. He wanted to marry the woman he’s madly in love with, the future Colleen Byrne. He wanted to have to kids, build a massive house, and even travel the world. He wanted to die next to his wife at an old age, reflecting on the astonishing life he had. But, it will all end tonight.

            Calum had the greatest desire to pull the trigger right there and then. Shamus neglected and scarred Calum an incredible amount. He was nearly beaten to death, just because he wasn’t good enough, and because he didn’t fit in with the other kids. Calum was different and unique, yet everyone took advantage of him because his own confidence wasn’t sturdy. The only thing that would actually make Calum happy is revenge.

Calum aimed his gun at the center of Shamus’ heart.

“BANG, BANG, BANG”

Shamus was gone, gone like the wind. Dead. Extinct.  

            Calum marched away from the crime, with his past long gone, and his future looking exceedingly bright.