Unholy Trinity: Oid by Moshe Davidovici

Our church worships at the altar of the Unholy Trinity. Its gospels are delivered as a trio of dark drabbles, linked so that Three become One. All hail the power of the Three.

I

  They talk about Oid like they know anything about him. But then, they don’t know me either. Looking back, I’m glad they banished me. I didn’t cry or yell. I just sat out in the desert. That’s when I met him. He probably saw me as food. Who could blame him? But food runs. Food screams. Food tries to stay alive. I just stared at him like he was taking too long to make up his mind. He gave a quick sniff, made a harsh sound that I named him after, and I’ve followed him since. Even outcasts need friends.

II

  They’re scared of him because he’s ugly. But what’s ugly? In the village there was a round lady with a face like a pug named Theresa. Nobody ran in fright from her. So the noises he makes are kind of weird. So he’s kind of big and hunched. So his skin’s kind of melted-looking. So was Theresa’s. But he’s not cruel. Well, not to me. He only kills the others because they hate him so much. But I get him. I’ve never petted him, but he lets me near. Will he eat me one day? Who cares? Everyone’s gotta eat.

III

  He’s feeding now. I’m used to watching him feed, though the schlorp schlorp can get annoying. It’s Parker this time, Theresa’s neighbor. What did he think happens when you point a spear at someone? And they talk about how violent Oid is. I used to get upset watching him feed, but I don’t really care now. They rejected me, and Oid accepted me. Hasn’t killed me yet, anyways. Will I end up like Parker, my bones spat onto the sand? Why spit out the bones, anyways? Kinda wasteful. He leaves behind scraps as well. I have yet to try a bite.