Flash Fiction: You Should Be Reading

Lullaby

    Hush little baby don't say a word

A cradle rocks slowly in the corner of the darkened room.

    Momma's gonna buy you a mockingbird

The words echo from a smaller, chirpy voice in another corner. The cradle stops rocking.

    And if the mockingbird won't sing, Momma's gonna buy you a diamond ring

The smaller voice is cut off with a grotesque crunch.

    And if the diamond ring turns to brass, Momma's gonna buy you a looking glass

A large mirror on the wall can be seen, reflecting the contents of the room almost clearly.

    And if that looking glass gets broke, Momma's gonna buy you a billy goat

Shattered glass slides across the floor as a goat is heard bahhing nearby.

    And if that billy goat won't pull, Momma's gonna buy you a cart and bull

Another loud, revolting crunch is heard, the goat going silent in an instant.

    And if that cart and bull turn over, Momma's gonna buy you a dog named Rover

The crunching can still be heard, something hard making a loud snapping sound as it breaks. A dog barks in response.

    And if that dog named Rover won't bark, Momma's gonna buy you a horse and cart

A whimper sounds from the dog, something snapping and everything going quiet. A quiet neigh is heard.

   And if that horse and cart fall down, you'll still be the sweetest little baby in town

The small, bony hand clasps over your mouth as your neck snaps in two. Blood covered, sharp baby teeth ascend upon your dead body.