Inspired by the character of Theo Decker in The Goldfinch

I saw the cruel rictus on his lips, my friend on his knees, bleeding, the spent cartridges on the dirty concrete floor, and I knew: I would be next.

Beyond this place of despair, I saw my mother’s reflection in the mirror, her sweet smile, the deep blue eyes, her beloved mouth, showing me the way…

So I took a small step toward him, as he requested, very slowly, so as not to alarm his mind, troubled by the drug,

And in one smooth motion I threw the knife, deep in his chest, reading the surprise in the thug’s eyes as he fell on the floor, dying…

I could hear the Blade Runner laughing…