KNOCK ON EFFECT

Only Malcom would desire to live life in such a fastidious fashion. His clothes had to remain wrinkle free at all times, shoes reflecting a military shine, and most importantly, because he was such a picky eater, his meals had to be prepared to the utmost perfection. Only the best ingredients money could buy were good enough for him. His fussy habits angered everyone he came into contact with, and it was only a matter of time before his associates decided to exact their revenge.

A new TV commercial began airing on all the local channels that gave Malcom the creeps. It featured two filthy people eating spaghetti with their hands. By the end of the piece even the TV camera was smeared with red sauce. The reporter announced, “This stuff is so good we just can’t stop!”

Every time the commercial aired Malcom would gag and race to turn the channel. His colleagues noticed his reaction and devised a plan to take his misery to the next level. The company techies programed every closed-circuit system to play the commercial on a loop. Before it played, someone would knock loudly on a desk or wall to get Malcom’s attention, then the commercial would air on every computer and TV screen. Unfortunately, every one of his coworkers had misread his extreme reaction.

As the hazing escalated, Malcom did his best to remain calm and control the beast within, but there was only so much he could do. He had reached his breaking point. The raucous knocking began again followed by people cheering his name and laughing; then that accursed video began. Unfortunately, no one noticed Malcom’s reaction was different this time.

Instead of hiding in the Men’s Room or supply closet, he stood rigidly next to his desk, drool dripping from the corners of his mouth. Malcolm’s smile elongated into a snarl as his well-manicured fingernails morphed into claws and course hair sprouted shaggily over his exposed skin.

Women screamed in terror; men tried to fight the creature to no avail. Nothing and no one could best Malcom’s lust for blood. After the carnage was complete and his hunger satiated, his body reverted to its human state. Malcolm washed the gore from his clothes, combed his hair, and wiped the spatter from his perfectly shined shoes. It was time to look for a new job, perhaps in a laboratory cleanroom.

I just wrote this to compete in a NYC Midnight scary story competition. It could be no longer than 400 words not counting the title. The scare is a TV commercial

the action is Knocking

and the character is a picky eater.

Guess I'll see if I move on to round 2 at the end of December.