Which of your children do you love most?

That one. My son. I’ve given him the best of everything. His happiness is my own.

And why do you love him so dearly?

Simple. He is the most loyal. He’s the one who turns to me. I give back the love he invests.

Look at him. So overprotected. He only loves you because you’ve spoiled him. I bet that without the material things you’ve showered him in and the ease of life you’ve given him, he’d turn away from you. Let me prove it.

And what do I get out of this little bet?

Bragging rights.

Then get ready to be proven wrong. You have my permission to do your worst.

​

He watched me as I entered the home of his dearest son and slaughtered the beloved children. In an act of biological warfare I killed everything that lived on his farm. And when the son came hobbling to his father’s feet, desperate, sick, and heartbroken, the father said, “You passed the test.”

The son collapsed into his father’s arms and clung to him.

I turned away, uncomfortable.