I held my breath in anticipation hoping that we would not have to extend this poor woman’s misery regardless of whatever crime she may have committed. The customer thought for a moment as he examined his new plaything. Finally, he spoke only one word.

“Legless.”

The manager nodded, then motioned for me to, as he once put it, “fulfill the customer’s requirements.” I stepped up to the altar and examined the poor woman. Her actions grew more exasperated as she struggled and pleaded with me.

“Please! Don’t do this! I’m innocent!”

My eyes began to swell up as I raised my axe high above my head. I wished I could say why I did this. I wished I could say sorry to her for bringing her so much misery. However, my mask hid my emotions from her. All she could see was the monster I really was.

I closed my eyes and swung. A squish and a thunk, followed by a scream. One gone. I swung again, with another squish and thunk. The manager unhooked the chains, dropping the legs to the floor.

“Enjoy,” the manager said.