The Monster Within

Category A: Highly Commended (2026) Monash Short Story Writing Competition
Author: Joshua Wong

The monsters’ claws dig underneath my skin, piercing through my flesh, my bones, my soul. Its roars fill me with dread and terror, its inky black breath seeping through me, weighing me and dragging me down through the murky darkness.

And there is nothing I can do to escape.

But now I have my own special helper. It lets me live in my own consciousness, apart from the rest of the world. It numbs me from the hurt I’ve experienced. It shields me and protects me from my tangled emotions. It’s my own, safe space. My soothing place of solitude.

And as I lie in this place, my feelings of sorrow vanish into the gloom, replaced by a light and woozy feeling. But it feels good. So, so good. I feel invincible, like nothing can ever hurt or scare me again. Who knew living in this world of narcotics could be so peaceful and tranquil? But when the blissful warmth wears off, reality comes crashing back ten times worse.

Over, and over again, my world repeats. I have become somewhat numb to the world, yet somehow extra sensitive. Every whisper, every smirk, seems to awaken the monster living inside me. Stirring and prowling, its hellish flames burn me alive, until my pills extinguish its roaring infernos.

My body wastes away as concerned faces turn my way. Help is offered, but I can’t take it. For this heinous monster dwelling inside me ruthlessly blocks my opening. Its sickening, taunting voice cuts through my already broken soul. Coward. Useless. Scum. And as my only refuge weakens, every shove, every curse, every taunt cuts deeper and deeper.

I am trapped. I can’t get help. My road in front gets darker and darker. And every passing day, the tip of my knife looks ever more tempting. Its shiny, pointed end begins to look like a painkiller. I want to use it. I want to let it take me away to a better place.

But just as I am about to let it numb my agony, a firm hand is placed on my shoulder. But it isn’t the same, rough hands that always love to push me around. This feels warm. Supportive. Peaceful. And so, so comforting. A rush of emotion flows through me, touching every part of my body. The monster’s roars are silenced, and its flames cannot ignite. Its cries of protest are drowned out by this strange, golden glow. And slowly but surely, my pain begins to ebb away. Leaving my tired, broken body be. And for the first time in a long, long time, my lips form a smile. And now in the monster’s place lies another being. A knight. Protecting me from anyone or anything that tries to hurt me. I feel secure. I feel loved. And I feel cared for. Life isn’t going to magically turn perfect. But now I have a chance for a new beginning. And all it seemed to take was one, single thing.

 A friend.