Clown in the Closet
Published in Predicate Literary Journal
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BRIAN WATERBY, AGE 35, was crying. He always cried, and he always talked about the clowns. His childhood was one of terror, he told me. This was the third time I’d heard the story.
“My parents were terrible people, Dr. Melissa,” he said, gulping air to gain control of his emotions. He was on the couch on his back, his knees bent. He had taken his shoes off, and his pristine white socks were bright against the cool black leather of the couch. “They plastered every surface of my room with these terrible beings, these clowns,” he shuddered.
“What was so bad about the clowns?” I asked. “Clowns are fun and joyful, they make us laugh.”
Brian turned and looked at me, his face contorted in disgust mingled with disbelief. “N
