The overwhelming sadness

Watching them with sadness, realizing that when he showed himself, they would recoil in horror and fear and realize what horrible fate was waiting for them, he listened to them talk and joke with one another about the rumors of terrible happenings in the woods. If only things were different. If only there was not the terrible hunger. If only his role in life were different. But, it was not and he knew that this quiet wood, so peaceful and beautiful would soon be filled with screams and, then, a terrible silence, broken only by the cracking of bones.

The wages of sin

So handsome he was until he became enmeshed in sin and his life and his looks were claimed by evil spirits who infused him with sickness and horror, a stink most vile and an intemperate manner fueled by an scratchy and disquieting voice. As body parts became discolored and withered, he saw the consequences of what he had done and attempted to repent. But, when he sought salvation, he was cast out. To save a sinner after the sinning is like saving a herring from the net, said the judge. One sin does not prevent another. Go forth and offend. Inhabit the back road and slink from sight. For such misery is not attractive to others.

The time of reckoning

Upon awakening, there appeared to be a horrendous change. It is what was predicted. And, so he must now leave all that he knows and go out into the world to catch food as he can and eat it alive, whole and in horrible gulps so that all will know the horror and fear that stalks the streets and, worst of all, the woods, dark and deep.

But, what horrible act would have caused this cruelty? Was it lying about the true faith or was it the touching that had been done in a most surreptitious way and that gave such unparalleled joy?

The punishment fit the crime, they will have said, but the band will continue to play as he rushes in and takes advantage despite the pleading and the screaming until it can be allowed no more.