I used it for good. I always used it for good. I saved lives. All I had to do was etch the design in, and it would come true. I saved peoples lives. The worst thing I ever did was make someone step on a nail, and that was their fault, they requested the tattoo of a nail. I just didn’t see him coming. Johnny. My childhood bully, stepping into my shop.

“Hi, I- oh my god! Krissy?” I smiled. It may have been more of a grimace.

“You work in a tattoo shop now? How... quaint!” He shrugged. Hatred pounded through my veins. “I’m a surgeon, but you know, as long as you pay the bills, all is good.” He laughed a pompous irritating laugh. With every breath, every movement, he radiated with an arrogance that is impossible to name.

“Anyway, I would like a tattoo. Freestyle, if you do that.” I had been offered freestyle tattoos before. It was the easiest way for me to seal somebody’s fate. Suddenly I realised the power I had over him. I could make him lose his job, get robbed, anything. I knew I wasn’t going to though. I sat him in the chair and set everything up. While I was doing so, he piped up again.

“You know, I made your life a living hell in school.” He said it proudly. He was bragging about ruining my teenage years. Hatred pulsed through me like a parasite. I nodded, and grabbed the needle. It felt as though my arm was possessed, I’d lost all control. I watched as I etched a gravestone.

“Oh, dark.” Johnny laughed nervously as my hand continued to draw. 1, 2, 3 gravestones. Each had a different name on it. Someone Johnny was close to. Someone he loved. Each had the same date on it. 6th September 2020. 1 week. I finished the tattoo and Johnny stared at it angrily.

“Listen, I know you’re still mad at me and all, but don’t you think this is too far? I’m getting this removed.” It was too late. Not even removing the tattoo would erase it from existence. He thought it was just some sick joke. No. I had accidentally killed innocent people, all because of a bully. I had sealed their fate and his. As he left the shop only one though crossed my mind.

Who’s next?