They had to strap her down to keep her on the stretchers as the violent tremors continued. Grim satisfaction and guilt warred in Franny’s breast as he watched the transformation. The stump of her arm began to swell. A grotesque claw began to form. It was flailing and snapping. Bony plates emerged from her back like the spines on a stegosaurus. Her brow ridge became a horny shelf. She held the claw up to her face. A look of horror twisted her face and she began to scream.

Franny walked away. Justice had been served. For Jamal, and Jose, Tolenka and Father Squid. The dark, kindly eyes of the priest swam before him and Franny was shaken by doubt. The priest would not be grateful. He would have urged Franny to forgive. Regret and guilt washed over him. He had become as monstrous as the woman he’d punished.

Franny leaned against a wall and wept.

Closing Credits

Closing Credits