Who is Malum?

Marla's thoughts during an episode while waiting for Malum:

Sometimes I wonder what I did to trigger these episodes. Most of the time I try and ignore them, pretend I'm prone to nightmares, shake it off.

But there are moments when I subject myself to an evaluation.. an inevitable investigation into my past, scrutinizing every action, questioning every second of possible iniquity.

And in those moments of self-assessment, I allow myself full disclosure. I face my transgressions and I acknowledge their part in my life. In these moments, I offer no consolation or reassurance.

I am shamefully naked.
I am bare.
I am alone.

I am weak.

I purge myself through tears and I wonder how many others face what I face.

And only then do I realize that these episodes are justified.
But (and it surprises me every time) I take comfort in Malum.
He appears at random, wrenching me from my surroundings, and tortures me.

And somehow I find comfort in his voice, in his unvarying interrogation.


Soon, people will start to notice. I won't be able to hide what's missing once he starts taking bigger pieces.
He will take until he is satisfied and Malum's thirst is never quenched.