The Sunday Scaries
Volume 1, Number 12
Microfiction by Pat Harrigan
Content Warning: Language and Horror

Coronation Day

She’d been in the bookstore many times, but had never noticed that little nook before. It smelled of mildew, but the spines of the books seemed unbroken, the covers clean and unmarred. She browsed, growing more excited by the moment.
          The book was surprisingly affordable. Barely two days’ of skipped meals. Back in the studio, with the moonlight coming through the skylight, she lit a lamp and began to read. After some time, her eyes began to feel the strain. She rubbed them, setting the book down for a moment. There was a man sitting in her other chair. He was young, good-looking, and wore a yellow suit.
          Don’t let me interrupt you, said the man.
          Cassie returned to her reading. In the morning she was elated. Such good news! She descended the five flights to the street and walked to the Polish guy’s shop and bought a pistol. Hiding it in her jacket pocket she walked thirty blocks to the park and arrived just as the mayor was taking the stage. The stage was rich with bunting and flags. A line of schoolchildren stood shyly as the mayor gave them each a medal in turn. Cassie felt a wave of indignance. She stepped through the crowd and began firing.
          When she was out of bullets some men tackled her. One of them bashed her face against the sidewalk until Cassie felt her nose break. In the cell, after the doctor had seen her, they told her that she’d killed a boy and wounded a young woman. And she’d killed the mayor.
          Cassie’s black eyes shone with joyful tears. Through her imperious broken teeth she howled in majesty and awe. Bring me my crown and queens! she commanded. Now I am king of America!
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