Balloon Bully

 

by

Hogan Abbott

 

 

Though the village is colorful, its business is dark, thought Harold. Harold was floating around talking to other evil balloons in town. Most commented on his vibrant green elastic and blue sharpie face, beautifully drawn. Many of the co-worker balloons also commented on his long string. They seemed nice, but Harold knew they were evil just like he was. All Harold wanted to do was beat up children.

 

That’s what he did for a living, as did all the other evil balloons of Heliumville. They enjoyed what they did, and did it to gain respect from children after the Great Popping. Children only were interested in popping balloons, so every day Harold and others went to balloon stands to be purchased. When they were purchased, they beat on the child that purchased them. Harold had beaten many children in his day to show them who’s boss.

Harold was bought one day by Mark Parker Robinson. Mark also bought four other non-evil balloons. After a long uneventful ride home, it was naptime for Mark.

 

Finally, he’s away from his mother,” thought Harold. Then, once Mark was asleep, Harold popped all the other balloons. Harold was tied to the post of Mark’s crib. Harold then flew down at an alarming rate and hit Mark on the face, then floated up again. Mark woke up happy as ever, to Harold’s surprise. This angered Harold, so he hit Mark in the nose. Mark laughed. Harold was frustrated now and hit Mark again and again and again until he was out of breath. Mark thought it was a game and chuckled on. Harold was tired so he left Mark to his nap.

Later in the day, Mark went to the park, taking Harold along with him. Harold, in an attempt to scare Mark, floated him up off the ground about five feet. Surprisingly, Mark was still having fun despite this abusive balloon. So, Harold dropped him. Finally, the young boy started crying, and sadly for Harold, Mark hugged his balloon. Mark still loved balloons, but why? Normally, kids crack after the first beating.

 

Harold was tired of Mark’s unconditional love over the course of that week. The boy never stopped loving Harold. So, Harold made up his mind – he was going to have to strangle Mark.

 

He approached Mark, string ready for the job, but as he rounded the corner, he found Mark playing with a staple gun. Mark shot a staple at Harold, unaware of the consequence. Harold’s evil was put to an end, finally, by the boy that loved him most.