**Longlisted in the ONC 2026** **Longlisted in The Nano Watt 2026** For the past twelve years, Walter has not been alone. That is, inside his head. He calls it his monster. Often, it unleashes itself and takes control of him. He usually wakes up surrounded by blood or bodies, sometimes both. When the monster grows quiet in his brain for a time, Walter dares to hope that he might be getting better. This leads him to make arrangements to reconnect with his childhood best friend, Emerald, by hiring her as his own private chef. There is just one problem. His monster is not gone. He never left. In fact, he now seems quite eager to emerge from the shadows and make Emerald's acquaintance. Officially copyrighted 2026