Cherry’s father is in the garage by the workbench when she gets home. She’s made it a habit of at least saying hello to him after school.

Cherry’s dad suffers from depression. A cockroach infestation makes it worse. He can’t take it anymore.

Her father pulls the trigger, sprays insecticide.

Denny E. Marshall had had art, poetry, and fiction published, including a recent publication at Postcard Shorts. See more at dennymarshall.com.