The Fillmore Rose: A Short Story

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Recommended: Symbolism and interpretation

Staring closely at the crucifix Burroughs remembers the strange story that Jenkins told him about Fillmore Rose, he imagines the two police officers as they struggle to pry open Fillmore’s hand. One at a time they eject the gripping fingers held closed with colossal vice-like strength. With each finger, another piece of the puzzled is opening the secret Fillmore’s hands so strongly grasped. The motionless body of Fillmore Rose lays dead; his right hand fully extended to the side, his open palm reveals in death what he could not reveal in life. With a stunning reflective brilliance, a Crucifix is in Fillmore’s palm.

With a solemn expression, Matt stands to hold the crucifix: Burroughs flashes back to the moment at hand with a distant place of where he has been in his eye he asks,
“Do you have a Bible in your car?”
Matt explains pausing a moment.
“Yes a King James …show more content…

He leans ever so carefully against the door to get a better listen becoming loud enough for him to make it out. Clearly, the words pierce his heart when he hears the voices chant.
“Anti-Christ the Devil's Child,”
“Anti-Christ the Devil's Child,”
“Anti-Christ, the Devil's Child.” Fillmore without a doubt understands exactly what’s going on behind those closed doors. Disapproving of the neighbors, he merely turns to walk away hearing Anti-Christ the devil's child” when a powerful thrust suddenly forces him up against the apartment door, pushing him into the room, smashing him hard against the wall landing right in the middle of a satanic ceremony of the black mass.
“Anti-Christ the Devil's Child”
A gold crucifix hangs suspended upside down, as the robed figures recite traditional prayers backward, performing a mock blessing with filthy water.

“Anti-Christ the Devil's Child” they chant as the four figures whose faces unseen, stand with daggers drawn high into the

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