Summary
The text is a reflection on the author's past fear of hell, expressed through the metaphor of insect killing and the haunting fear of eternal punishment.
Abstract
The microfiction piece titled "If I End Up in Hell" delves into the author's relationship with insects and the afterlife. It begins with the author acknowledging a casual attitude towards killing insects, contrasting with a friend who gently relocates spiders. The narrative then reveals the author's teenage haunting by the concept of hell, filled with visions of eternal torment involving creepy crawlies. The story ends with a darkly humorous note to the author's family, requesting a flyswatter in the afterlife, while doubting its necessity, suggesting
I’ve killed my fair share of insects.
I’ve a friend who kindly puts spiders outside. Me too, they’re just dead first.
My teenage self was haunted by the promised torment of hell. Imagined creepy crawlies for eternity.
Note to family. Bury me with a flyswatter. Doubt I’ll need it though.
