Stepped On.pdf

It was another long day at the office and I was finally coming home. The high heels on my feet clicked against the concrete as I walked up the path. My legs were sore from standing all day, but I couldn't wait to relax at home.

As I opened the front door, I was greeted by the usual mess of toys strewn across the living room floor. My little ones were always leaving things everywhere. I sighed and stepped inside, ready to start my evening routine.

But as I took a few steps into the house, I suddenly felt something soft and squishy beneath my stiletto heel. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. I slowly looked down and my blood ran cold.

There, crushed and mangled beneath my shoe, was our pet lizard Mr. Scaly. His tiny green body was flattened, his glassy eyes staring lifelessly at the carpet. I stood there in shock for a long moment, my mind reeling.

Oh god, what had I done? I knew the kids left their toys scattered about but I never imagined something like this could happen. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me and I had to swallow down the urge to vomit.

My eyes darted around the room, hoping none of the children had seen. The last thing I needed was them bursting into tears over their beloved pet. I took a deep breath to steel myself, then carefully lifted my shoe off Mr. Scaly's remains.

I knew I had to get rid of the body before anyone found it. Glancing around furtively, I spotted an old shoe box and quickly scooped up the poor thing. The sticky, warm mush oozing between my fingers made my stomach churn. I shoved the lizard into the box and tucked it under the couch, praying it wouldn't be discovered anytime soon.

My heart was still racing as I took a few shaky steps to the couch and collapsed onto it. What was I going to tell the kids? Mr. Scaly had only been our pet for a few months but they were so attached to him already.

As I sat there trying to collect myself, I couldn't help but feel a twisted thrill twist in my gut. The sensation of feeling something soft and alive crushed beneath my shoe had been...exhilarating. I knew it was wrong but I couldn't deny there was a part of me that enjoyed it. The taboo, illegal thrill of taking a life, snuffing out a tiny creature with my expensive pumps.

I shook my head, trying to banish the disturbing thoughts. I was a mother, not some sick freak getting off on squashing animals. I had to be strong and deal with this situation like an adult.

But even as I outwardly berated myself, I could still feel that dark excitement simmering beneath the surface. I abruptly stood up, eager to distract myself and forget the illicit rush of stomping on a living thing. The old shoe box and its grisly contents would be dealt with later, after the kids were in bed.

For now, it was time to paste on a smile and pretend everything was normal. That I hadn't just accidentally killed our pet and enjoyed it a little too much. I took a deep breath and headed to the kitchen to start getting dinner ready. This secret would stay buried, along with poor Mr. Scaly. At least until the next time my dark urges resurfaced, threatening to destroy my picture perfect family life.