The family gathered round the heavy laden table and sat down in their assigned seats. He looked each and every person in the eye, then said, “Let’s bow our heads and give thanks.” Obediently, they all bowed their heads and closed their eyes.
“Lord, we wish to thank you for this bounty you have laid before us. And we are always thankful for each other. Amen.” Silence. The prayer over, no one had moved. They didn’t do anything until they were told to do it.
He looked up, pleased that they had remembered.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Eat!”
Like ravenous wolves, they descended on the food. The only noises in the room were the sounds of chewing and swallowing.
“That’s right, eat up. Get nice and fat for Daddy.” He leaned back in satisfaction as he watched his wards gobble sustenance. All would probably eat until they couldn’t move. But that was alright, he wanted to fatten them up.
He would treat them like the prize cattle they were going to become.