Title: Locked Inside
By: IDOL HANDS
Rating: PG
Warnings: dark themes, suggestion of death
Disclaimer: Characters aren't mine; unlike the creators, I don't make a dime from my madness. Comments & appreciation are payment enough.
Summary: Don't you wonder occasionally, what's really inside? Short prose.
"Welcome to my factory."
The Candyman was supposed to be nice. His factory, a dream come true. Sugar is sweet. But the man isn't and neither is his world.
Charlie Bucket walked outside, along the gate. Occasionally he did this, but ventured no further. Merely pacing the cage. He was a little older now, a little wiser, but still a boy. Adult contained within child's body, his 'tutor' the exact opposite.
People walked close, as he had too, catching a deep whiff of aromas beckoning from chimneystacks climbing sky. They wanted inside, always did. Rattling bars. Shouting. Disturbing peace.
Pink cheeks from frostbite; skin sunshine reflecting snow, decadent clothes, in emerald greens of warped Oz. They gathered near the angelic doll. "You don't belong here." Advised he. "Shoo. Go away."
Taunting followed. How dare this brat keep the goodies to himself! Bright eyes blazed back with misunderstood angst. Silence suddenly. Clouds of gasped breath. Had they understood?
Heads of the brood rose upward. Oh no. He turned to face gritted bared teeth. Others perceive a smile, first of many illusions. Ruby red decadence: hue of power and blood. Hungry eyes concealed.
This is the Candyman's favorite treat. Revenge. Gift to himself, lesson for an apt pupil. Triumphant cheers as fate's gloved hand announces, "Let them in. After all, it is X Mass."
Gates open on magical command. Locks click and whirr, barrel of a giant gun. People rush in like bullets -- eager to become ornaments upon a grotesque altar. The odd pair left in wake.
"You'll learn to enjoy it. Wait and see. On that day, my dear boy, you'll finally be exactly like me." Arm around slight, trapped shoulders. Warm coat. Cold heart. This is what was won. The best kind of a prize is not a surprise.
However Willy Wonka was wiser than he knew. Time wrapped its ribbon, last moment marked with a bow. Such a beautiful present the golden heir would eventually make of his master. Sacrificed to the cause. Dying for his own sins.
The Candyman was supposed to be nice. His factory, a dream come true. Sugar is sweet. But the man isn't and neither is his world.
Beware what's locked inside. Does it keep you from access or prevent it from escaping? Treasures have curses. Curses have treasures. Siamese twins. Infinity.
May cold thoughts keep you warm,
IDOL HANDS