(Don’t) Sing that Song!

“Are you going to hurt me?” Charli peeped, cowering behind the shelf. She eyed the tall man, noting how his features seemed to sharpen as he lifted his hat to meet her gaze. She wondered if she should start running, though her thoughts were interrupted by the man’s response.

He smiled and said “Young lady, I could never hurt you. You are my own grandmother! Or you will be one day. I’m here to protect you. I know this is a shock, but you must listen very carefully to the next thing I tell you.”

"What is it?" she asked, leaning forward. He swallowed & took her hands in his. "Promise me, you will never sing 'Love Shack' at a karaoke parlor. Sing any other song you like, but never that one." Tears filled her big brown eyes. "But," she stammered, "the whole shack shimmies."

“I don’t care!” He screams, finally snapping and grabbing her shoulders tightly. “I SAID DON’T SING THAT SONG!”

"It brings back bad memories!" he roars, his face contorted in rage. Tears well up in her eyes. He instantly regrets his outburst, the years of suppressed anger exploding in a terrifying wave. "I'm sorry," he whispers, pulling her into a trembling hug. "I'm so sorry."