She hears the creaking of the old wooden door and knows that another customer has entered. No surprise, it’s another girl. The girl is the same as all the ones that come in to seek retribution.
The girl is frightened, especially when she sees the cat-like eyes of her would be savior. The girl takes a seat on a rickety chair.
She can smell the fear coming from the girl, but the smell of envy is much stronger. She knows this kind of girl all too well, the tired ones.
Tired of never being strong enough to face what life has to offer.
Tired of going home to nothing every day.
Tired of looking into the crowd and knowing she will never be the pretty one.
Tired of wishing she was someone else.
Tired of being second choice.
She breathes in the girl’s envy and despair. She can taste the rage and hatred and She smiles.
Another good customer.
The girl takes out a picture, torn and crumpled, She can still make out the portrait of a beautiful girl. She silently wonders who the girl is. She didn’t need to wonder for long, it’s the same old speech. “She thinks she’s so perfect.”, “It’s not fair.”, “She should know how it feels like.”
“How it feels to be you.” She says with all sincerity.
“Yes.” The girl whispers.
She takes out her doll and a few knives. The blades are dull and rusted, but that just makes the pain easier to inflict. She lays them in front of the girl.
“Now, let’s talk business.” She says with a smile.
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Story inspired by Mangkukulam entry in Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. Ramos. 1971.
Mangkukulam Illustration and Watercolor by Marc Magpantay
Tumblr: Glassy-draws.tumblr.com