The Lazy Monster. Massimo Longo E Maria Grazia Gullo

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       The Lazy Monster

       Translated by Laura Jurinich

      Copyright © 2019 M.G.Gullo – M.Longo

       The cover image and the graphics were created and edited by Massimo Longo

      All rights reserved.

       The Lazy Monster

      You need to know that no one has ever seen him, heard of him, but he does exist nonetheless.

      He is the bad guy of our times.

      To be honest, he has always existed. Many, many years ago, he was little, so little that when the kids ran by him, he would fly away

      like a dry leaf.

      Nothing would distract them, let alone that little malignant creature: after all, they were busy being chased by lions or picking up fruits.

      Time passed by, and the only virtue that could be recognised of him was his patience.

      He knew how to wait, and he did, for nights and days, summers and winters.

      He struggled a lot in the summer, because everyone was so busy.

      One summer, he almost disappeared as he was trying so

      hard to capture someone.

      Some other time, when the summer heat was particularly strong, he managed to get some slackers. But it never lasted long enough: no one could laze forever. They had to work and work and work in order not to end up like the grasshopper in the winter.

      On the other hand, winter was his favourite season: everyone was calmer. Fewer people were rushing around, reading or unleashing their

      fantasy. The sun would set early, and candles and oil for the lamp did not come at a cheap price.

      Hence, his close friend, Mr. Badweather, and he had the chance to attack somebody.

      In short, winter really did allow him to carry out his job at best.

      Somebody, you got it right, I said somebody: that means that I am not solely talking about children. The lazy monster is not picky when it comes to food, and he settles for anything that he comes across.In fact, he would not think twice

      before capturing an adult, although he would get little satisfaction from it.

      Then, modern times came by, and men began building machines to ease off their work, machines for their kids’ leisure time, and not only that. Then again machines that could do anything: there was not much room left for thought.

      The streets were empty, no more children’s laughter on the streets either.

      They had created the lazy

      monster’s dream world.

      That is how he began to grow bigger. Day after day, he was capturing more and more children and adults, until he became worthy of the monster title.

      You must be wondering: how does one know who got captured?

      That is a good question.

      Well, it is enough to find out where he hides himself.

      In the adults, he prefers hiding himself in their stomachs.