The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Obedient
by Sue Renol

Mother always told me not to touch her makeup. I was too young, she said. Just a stupid child, she reminded me constantly. I obeyed like a good girl, but watched each morning as she painted her face with pretty colors. I wanted to be strong and beautiful just like her.

But she wouldn’t let me.

This particular day, Mother drank too much from her bottle hidden beneath the socks in the drawer. She fell asleep and wouldn’t wake up. I tried to wake her, I really did. But I also saw the opportunity that gave itself willingly. I knew I wasn’t allowed to touch her expensive makeup, so I made my own.

All I needed was a knife from the kitchen. And sleeping mother’s soft wrist.