THE RED RIVER DISH

Amisha Connor

As I gaze at the exquisite china plate before me, stained with crimson swirls, beads of sweat trickle out of my pores and down my skin. My eyes fixate on the juicy red meat nestled on my plate, accompanied by a creamy sauce and four slender broccoli stalks.
        I glance up to witness the person across from me relishing their meal, their fork piercing a tender chunk of meat, their tongue greedily swirling around the dripping flesh as it disappears into their mouth, and an inexplicable sensation stirs deep in my throat that I cannot push back. I shift my focus back to my plate, only to see blood seeping from the meat and mixing with the sauce. My mouth feels parched, yet my fingers refuse to let go of the fork.
        My eyes flitter around the room. The light’s ambience is low and the room is filled with hushed conversations and clinking of cutlery. I yearn to be drawn towards the flickering light, like a moth seeking refuge, hoping to escape the predicament I find myself in.
        I look up once more at my companion.
        ‘Not enjoying it?’ he asks.
        ‘No, I’m afraid not.’ Something tight grips my throat, making it hard to swallow.
        ‘Take a bite,’ he encourages, his eyes staring at me in anticipation.
        I look up towards him hesitantly.
        ‘Take a bite’, he repeats, his eyes trailing to my plate and then myself.
        I slowly lift my fork, the end easily piercing into the flesh. The red juices oozing out, making my sauce a red river.
        ‘Go on, eat up,’ he encourages.
        I take a look at him, his eyes staring into mine as I lift the fork to my mouth and slowly force myself to chew.
        Experiencing the taste of human flesh for the first time is something you’ll never forget. It’s not just the flavour or texture that lingers on your tongue, but the forbidden act of consuming another. The taste, reminiscent of beef, the uncanny resemblance to beef, and the unforgettable sensation as it slowly slid down my throat.
        Forever imprinted in my soul.