What He Deserves

by Heather Ewings

“I brought what you wanted.”

Brown with age, the playing cards cost a small fortune and a whole weekend scouring the city’s antique shops.

The witch shuffles the pack and lays three cards face up.

“You don’t want to hurt him. But you want vengeance. You realise those two things are incompatible?”

“I don’t want to hurt anyone. But he won’t stop hurting others.”

She rummages through a collection of tiny bottles and hands me one.

“Get this on his person.”

“Will he suffer?”

Her gaze pierces mine, and I have to suppress a shudder.

“He’ll get what he deserves.”

Heather Ewings

Heather Ewings is an Australian author of speculative fiction. Her stories can be found in various publications, including Cancer: A Speculative Fiction Anthology by Deadset Press and Oceans Anthology by Black Hare Press. Her novella, What the Tide Brings, was published in April. Learn more about Heather’s work at www.heatherewings.com.au.