![worm-1345354_1920.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/raj808/23uEyvDHc4xCYipKTozynekPjvZC4EkpH3zLQoF77JQWahjU1ShDk74FrdABgU2MZXy7A.jpg)_{Image by Katarzyna Urbańska from Pixabay} ___ "Will the defendant please rise." I stare at those quivering hairs sprouting from his nostrils like a spider trying to escape the plughole. I smirk, stroking my moustache. The court appointed ape grabs me by the arm, yanking me to my feet. This can only go one way. "Are the jury ready to deliver the verdict?" "We are your honor." ___ ___ Goo cradles my body as I wriggle through the gelatinous mass. A pulse of electricity courses through my boneless body. Food for thought! The pulse brings an impulse, an intention to fly mentally from this prison of grey matter. I squirm at the realization that it's time to explore another mental landscape. ___ ___ Trees bleed into night, fingers clawing the sky. I stare through the window while it happens. I cry and life flows out of me in a sickly lessening. A man with a moustache appears out of nowhere, spade-like fists pummeling father until he withdraws and lies naked in his own blood. I stare up through the swaying treacle of the dream's embrace. "Thank you... I am forever in your debt." ___ ___ I wriggle through each of their minds finding the hidden nuggets of pain. Latching on and laying my eggs, making a hero of my host. I give them what they need most, resolution. ___ ___ "What is the verdict of the court?" The young woman stares at me with tears in her eyes, nodding imperceptibly in thanks. "Not guilty your honor." **The end.** ![Copyrightbanner.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/raj808/242DBfiTFtTzwpdfSk9Ym5NkuRvi2AqgVSus4SBVkypMbmvTNFLzMsfYSJChE9G5Q95T2.png) https://steemitimages.com/DQmaiuGasc2vGC6wrf3Nu7Su5GTzNSx9UJGuApEhdjAZvzU/9.png All images in this post are either [CC license,](https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/) linked beneath the pic or designed by me. If you have enjoyed this story, please check out my homepage @raj808 for similar content. Thank you. https://steemitimages.com/DQmaiuGasc2vGC6wrf3Nu7Su5GTzNSx9UJGuApEhdjAZvzU/9.png ![Footer_raj808.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmR9jsWzjo9vp2N7CWX7RuNGk4s2D2p5HctzLFXxtgzHoy/Footer_raj808.png)

_{Click banner to buy anthology}

_{Click banner to visit the community page}

Horn Worm!