The Guillotine

The Guillotine was old. Installed decades ago, it bore the marks of its years in service. The blade was brand new however, with not a single scratch on it. Its mirror like surface gleamed under the harsh sunlight.

The public slowly began to trickle in to the courtyard. Executions were a public affair in this nation, as it encouraged citizens to obey the law and provided an outlet for bloodlust.

Melanie was the first convict of the day scheduled to die under the Guillotine. At a mere 10 years old, she was one of the youngest prisoners on death row. She struggled as the guards forcefully restrained her slender body on the platform and locked her head under the lunette. Her curly orange hair had been cut short, giving her a boyish look. She uttered a string of curses, and spat at her guards. The warden placed one hand on the lever that would release the blade.

"Any last words, young lady?", he asked in a deep baritone.
"Go fuck yourself!" Melanie responded angrily, tears welling in her big green eyes. The warden sighed and yanked the lever back.

Melanie closed her eyes tight and clenched her teeth in terrified anticipation. She could hear the rope unwind as the blade fell towards her skinny neck. Her heart thundered in her ears.

The blade sliced through Melanie's neck. It continued down through skin, muscle, blood vessels and bone. With a thud the blade stopped as it came to rest against the wooden structure of the execution platform.

Melanie felt a sharp painful sensation. She suddenly stopped feeling anything below her neck. Her eyes opened wide. The world tumbled and tumbled before it came to a stop.

She stared up at the bright blue sky. A few drops of hot blood splattered against her face. The young girl opened her mouth in an attempt to speak, but no words would come.

The bright blue sky slowly grew dark and distant. She felt something pick her up and her view swung wildly. A distant thunder roared in her ears. She saw the crowd cheer and yell. Tears rolled down her freckled cheeks. The sights and sounds disappeared.

Melanie died.