Why did you kill me? Soft and innocent, the words marred her beautiful voice. I didn’t look for its owner. No, she was forever burned into my mind, the jailor of my damned existence.

Had I really heard the voice this time, or had my last shred of sanity finally escaped me? She was just a girl. Someone else’s baby, and I had killed her! Stolen her life, murdered her in cold blood, become judge, jury and executioner, and for what? I had loved her like a daughter, but she would never be mine.

I looked out beyond my literal cage, briefly forgetting the mental one I was forever locked inside. Oh, how I deserved to be in this forsaken place. The walls splashed with blood, full of hate, greed and sin; this was my home. Cell after cell dominated my view, each pleasantly reminding me of my sin. Hell couldn’t even begin to describe my torment as I realized I belonged here.

You know why you did it. You couldn't bear to look at her precious little form any longer. The other voice was back. He’s the one who did it, not I! I swear it. He tormented me so, whispering in my ear nothing but vile thoughts. He was a true demon bent upon bringing my demise. You watched as her breathing stopped, and you enjoyed it, you sick fuck. Now you’ll burn forever.

“Stop it! Stop it! I didn’t want to kill her!”

“You did what now?” a new voice, neutral in tone answered.

Had I spoken aloud? People, real-live-in-front-of-my-eyes people were staring at me now. I had no choice but to answer.

“I placed a plastic bag over her head, and held on until her life was lost. I swear I didn’t want to do it. She was such a pretty little girl, always dancing in front of my eyes. Oh god, she was so little. Barely above my knees. Such a pretty little thing. I loved watching her from afar, but he made me do it. I took her life right then and there because I couldn’t have her for my own. Oh God, what have I done? She’s dead dead, and it’s because of me. Oh God, I’ll never see her dance again. What have I done?”

He answered, but to my disbelief, with a sinister smile. Laughter erupted from his chest, but not of a cheerful nature, “Oh well, as long as it was a good suffocation.”