Laura James Week 143: The Collector (part 5)

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Laura James’s Picture Choice: 2

Title: The Collector (part 5)

Hector had frantically collected several more family pets and stored them in his brothers room and with each new acquisition, he felt more alive. He watched as the animals slowly grew weaker, as if realising that there was no hope. Even his grandfather had long given up trying to talk him into letting him go, had given up on life and was a weak shell of his former self. It was a huge disappointment for Hector as he had hoped that the old man would continue to beg for his life but then, seeing him slowly deteriorate before his eyes gave him some mild satisfaction.

He was in the process of filling up various water bottles and dishes when he heard a car pull into the driveway. Cursing at his parents early return Hector quickly removed himself from the room, carefully locking it behind him and made his way to the kitchen where he was confronted with his parents.

"Oh Hector, I'm so glad your home." His mother marched across the kitchen floor and grabbed him in a large bear hug. "Our time away has let us understand how awful we have been to you," Hector struggled in her arms, unused to the unwanted contact. She pushed him out at arms length, "things will be different from now on." She pulled him back into her embrace.

His father carried the luggage into the hall, "Where's your Grandparents?"

"They went home yesterday, something about a break-in at their house." Hector mumbled still trying to extricate himself from his mothers arms.

"Oh, I hope it wasn't too bad. I'll just take these upstairs and then phone them." Hector finally removed himself from his mother "I'm of to my room." He muttered then ran for the stairs taking them two at a time.

Once in his room Hector sat on his bed with his head in his hands. He didn't like the way his mother was affectionate, nor the way his father seemed to be relaxed, this was wrong. His plans would only work if his parents went back to the way they had been after Stephen's death, ignoring him and wallowing in their grief. He got up and paced the room, an idea slowly forming in his mind. If his parents were out of the picture then he would have all the time and money to do what he wished.

It was time to increase his collection by two more specimens.

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Based in Dunfermline, Scotland, Laura is obsessed with all things horror and spends her time writing flash fiction which she hopes, on occasion, really scares her readers. Feel free to stalk her on twitter, @lejamez

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