Time for Steak

I’ve been here so long it feels like I was born on this very spot. Day after day, I eat. I give my due diligence. It’s starting to look grim. If something doesn’t change soon, I’ll have to eat the steak.

I’m only allowed sustenance in this my circle, as I am tethered to the very center. The thought of eating the steak is killing me slowly, but I may not have the choice much longer. The ground in my circle has turned to nothing but infertile dirt and sand.

I’m so tired. I haven’t seen my family in so long. There’s nothing left for me here. I’ve heard steak was good, but this is not what I imagined. Maybe I’ll be surprised.

❦

“SITREP!”

“Sir, the beast has eaten through the stake tethering him down. It completely mowed down everything within its reach. The destruction in its wake looks like a crop circle.”

“Have you located the beast?”

“Once it broke free of the stake, it headed northwest—taking down anything in its path. It is approximately two klicks from its origin.”

“Pursue the target, and this time use a bigger stake! Make the rope longer, and let’s see how it reacts.”

“Target acquired and secured, Sir.”

“Great work, soldier. Let me know of any changes.”

❦

Now that I’m free, I feel like I can conquer the world. I think I will. I have more to eat than before—no more yucky steak to deal with. I can run as far as I snap.