The Bonsai Tree

 The morning found him,as any other morning,taking care of the Bonsai Tree. Trimming,pruning,shaping the delicate plant,a tedious occupation made bearable,pleasant even,by the breathtaking view of the sun rising from the sea in front of his inn. It was that spectacular view that had made the inn one of the most successful in the area. That,and his cordial hospitality,his heart-warming smile and easy-going personality. His guests found themselves right at home the moment they checked in.

 He tried to concatrate at the task at hand. Deciding which branch to trim with his clippers in order to maintain the desired design was a form of art bestowed upon him by his father. He grew up watching him handling the plant with extreme care,affection even. Hard to believe it was the same man who enjoyed beating up his wife to a pulp and wouldn't stop even at his son's interference. More often than not,the young boy got smacked right in the face just for getting in his father's way,in the way between his father's hand and his mother's bruised body.

 He noticed his hand holding the clippers. It was slightly trembling. He put them down. He found it harder and harder to trust himself with the clippers ever since the nightmares began. Every night the same horrifying dream. The Bonsai Tree grew bigger and bigger until in the end it devoured him. It had all began the first night after he had brought his new born home. Every night the same torture. And every morning it took him all he got to control himself,not let the clippers slip and eradicate the plant once and for all.

 He had just put the clippers away,when the firsts guests of the day arrived. He checked them in,enjoyed a pleasant conversation with them,only to discover that the husband "simply adored bonsai trees",as his wife emphatically stated. The next morning,at check out,he held out the Tree to the bonsai enthusiast who could not believe his luck at this unexpected present. He watched them leave,Bonsai Tree at the back saet,closed his eyes and inhaled the salty air. He felt a sudden need to go upstairs,hold his baby tight and sleep. Hopefully a deep,nightmare free,sleep.

                                                                                                          Written by Ms Paragon