Monsters

Thunderclap, and the normally dark room became bright. Sally sat in her usual spot in the center of the bed. “Hey, Und,” Sally whispered. “Yes.” Came Und’s deep voice. “I was just checking you were there.” “Why? I’m always here.” “I know, but I’m scared,” whimpered Sally. “Why?” Und’s…

“My birthday is tomorrow. I’m going to be ten.” Sally said with excitement. “Happy birthday, Sally.” Und’s deep voice came from under the bed. “How old are you?” Sally asked. “Old,” Und said. Sally laughed, “That’s what my grandpa says. “ Und chuckled, “I’m older than him.” “So very old,” Sally giggled. Und laugh rumbled the bed, “Yes, very old. “ “Goodnight, Und” “Goodnight, Sally.”

“You there?” Sally whispered from her usual place in her bed. “Yes,” Rumbled the deep voice. ”Tina says she doesn’t have a monster under the bed. So did Danny, Billy, and Kathy.” “I told you before there is no such thing as a monster under the bed. I would know…

Sally sat in the middle of her bed, trying to be as far from the edges as possible. “How’s school,” came a deep voice from under the bed. “So’kay,” she said. “Is Danny still pulling your hair?” The deep voice asked. “Yea,” Sally shrugged. The deep voice sighed, “Have you told an adult?” “No,” Sally whispered. The disappointment could be heard from the deep voice, “Why not?” “Tina says he likes me. That’s why he does it.”

Dr. Tenma didn't have to do all that. — Monster is a manga adaptation by the celebrated mangaka Naoki Urakawa. It ran for 74 episodes and to this day is considered a masterpiece in storytelling, with its antagonist described as one of the best villains ever written. I want to use this work to raise a question I believe…