Night

Not far from the quay, a single light trembled behind the curtains of a luxury apartment on the 14th floor.

Inside, the body of a young woman lay still on the bed.
And in the next room – something far worse.
A man lay sprawled on the floor, limbs stretched wide like a star.
His tendons and nerves had been cut just enough to keep him conscious – but completely unable to move.
The gag in his mouth turned every breath into a muffled plea.

Over him stood a grotesquely tall figure – thin, elongated, almost inhuman.
He wore a gray knitted sweater with a small tear near the shoulder, a bucket hat shadowing his eyes, and heavy army boots that echoed softly against the parquet.

The giant leaned closer.
Pressed a finger to his lips.
– Shhhhhh...

With the precision of a surgeon, he drew a scalpel across the chest, opened the ribcage with careful clamps, and lifted out the still-beating heart.
He placed it into a pristine ceramic bowl, carried it to a small table set for one, and arranged it on a plate.
Removing his gloves, he tucked a napkin into his collar and whispered:

– May the Gods be pleased tonight.

(A faint breath of the city wind. Fade out.)