Dear Kenny, Please Help Me

By Karisa Stapp

Dear Kenny,

I know I said I wouldn’t go back, but I had to, all right? I’m alive, obviously, and I know why you told me to stay away. But I couldn’t—so let’s leave it at that and move on.

I think things were a little different for me. When we were in that forest together a week ago, you only caught a glimpse of her; you didn’t see her the same way I did. She looked me in the eyes. I felt as though she saw through my very soul, and that did something to me. Life may have returned to normal for you, but I couldn’t sleep without seeing her. Half horse, half woman… every moment of my week back home was consumed by the memory.

I’m sorry Kenny, but I had to go back.

I mean, centaurs aren’t supposed to be real. But we both knew what we saw, and every part of me ached to see her again. I did listen to you when you said she could be dangerous. So, when I returned, I brought my shotgun—for precaution’s sake.

I found her again rather easily. I am sure you remember the road filled with rocks of colored moss, and how the trees were so thick that the sun could barely come through.

After an hour of following that mythical passage, I heard her singing, just as we did the first time. Among the surreal atmosphere of that place, her song sounded like a hymn calling me home. I never knew centaurs to sing, but then again, I had never encountered such a creature before. With shaking hands, I pushed past the vines and entered the grove, feeling as though I entered a different realm as the softness of her tune continued.

And there she was, standing by the stream, just like last time.

Her song stopped when she saw me approach, but the bewitching tune in my ears was quickly replaced by the impeccable sublimity of her essence. She was still more glamorous than any woman I have ever seen. Her flawless skin and golden hair were of a perfection no human could ever emulate; her mere presence was one of peace and fulfillment.

She was tense as I approached, eyes full of distrust, and I wondered if she recognized me. I very carefully picked my way through the grass, keeping my hands in view. But just like last time, I felt something was not quite right. Perhaps you were right when you said we should have never entered her home, but I only wanted to see her. I never meant any harm. I felt a strong sense of foreboding this time, but I ignored it. What stood before me was something from stories, something that should go down in history, and we were the ones to discover it.

I continued walking closer, and she stepped back from the stream. There was a moment where I considered leaving, and I should have Kenny, I know that now. But at the time I couldn’t help myself; I had to get closer. I didn’t reach for my weapon, not then at least, as I thought she could be nothing but pure. I could see her black eyes following my every move as I stopped a few feet away. She shifted her weight between hooves, her eyes never leaving me as I stood before her. My mouth opened, but nothing came out. What do you say to a creature like that? Is there anything to say?

I should have run, Kenny. Maybe then I would have been okay. Instead of running, I took another step.

And she charged.

Her beautiful face morphed into that of a wild beast. I was overcome with absolute fear as I ran from the grove. The ground shook from her trampling hooves, and I risked a glance behind me. She moved with unnatural speed, but thankfully a fallen log had slowed her charge. I knew the distraction would not last long.

It was so different than when we first saw her. She was evil; she had to be. I didn’t think—I couldn’t think—as I pulled out my gun, rashly trying to aim as she angrily ripped through the vines with a strength beyond compare.

I was certain I was about to face a painful end. Fumbling, I pointed the shotgun at her and pulled the trigger.

I never wanted to kill her, Kenny; you must believe that. I screamed as she cried out and fell to the ground. I didn’t bother to check if she lived. I ran off that mountain, jumped into the truck, and didn’t look back.

I was a mess when I returned home, and my guilt only grows. You must understand, it was self-defense. She was a monster; she was evil. I tried to forget.

I should have never gone back; I should have listened to you. But now the damage is done.

I’ve been seeing her everywhere, Kenny. There’s nothing peaceful about her now. I avoid windows and mirrors, or else am haunted by her reflection. I’ll see her walking down the street. At work. Even when I shut my eyes, I cannot escape the ghost that hunts me, waiting for the moment to exact her revenge.

Kenny, please help me. I don’t know what to do. I think she’s going to kill me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karisa Stapp is a new writer who spends her free time working on short fiction and her first full-length fantasy novel. When not writing, she works as a fitness coach and competes at a professional level in CrossFit.

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