When we were kids—
Don’t judge—
We went to the woods at night.
Hunting.
For chandeliers.
Burning bright beyond the shadows.
We would level your .22.
Easy.
Big dumb prey not going anywhere.
I mentioned we were kids?
So don’t judge.
Wouldn’t have guessed someone might come pull the blinds.

Tim Boiteau lives in Michigan. His short stories have won a Writers of the Future award and Story of the Year at 50WS. His novels include Iltday and The Nilwere. His slasher The Neighborhood Game is coming this winter.