Catch and Release

“Buy you a drink?”

Your eyes met mine, lips curved into a smile. You nodded. Coke for me, IPA for you. Plus, something extra that soon slurred your words. I poured you into my backseat and your shirt rode up, revealing pink flank—sooooo enticing. My heartrate spiked.

Soon.

I carried you from the car and laid you on scuzzy motel comforter. Glancing around the room, I grinned. Everything was ready… including you.

Descending upon you, my hands flashed, grasping tender flesh. Shocking slickness.

I took what was mine.

Afterwards, I prepared the tub for you, taking the utmost care. You deserved it.

###

Head splitting, I jolted back to consciousness. “Ohhhh,” I moaned.

A glacial chill seized me, prickling skin.

I opened my eyes.

A bathroom? A tub?

My naked body, packed in ice like a newly caught fish.

“What?” Voice echoed against tile, sounding wrong.

As I stood, an ache stirred in my flanks. What happened? In the mirror, I caught a glimpse of my backside and my breath bated.

Black suture sealed two ragged wounds, dried blood smeared underneath.

Then, I saw the sign.

Your kidneys are gone. Seek medical attention.

Like wild-caught salmon, lured and gutted.