Birds, Bees and Butterflies

Short Story

This short story has been termed "disturbing", "haunting" and "complex" by editors.  

Caption:
 

The flattened backyard grass still held the schema of my body beneath the butterfly carcass when that neighbour, senior in years to my own father, directed me to retrieve from his house my toy ball that had accidentally rolled into his backyard.  I fearfully but quietly obliged, for the sake of whichever sibling of mine would alternately be sought.  But this meant entering his house - a first for anyone I had known - without mention to my parents.  Walking to his doorway, we passed by his dog, Nicky, whom I had always recognized as a quiet dog, obedient and wide-eyed, like me.  

Inside, the home was very similar to mine.  We walked down the narrow stairway that led to the basement; or did he carry me down?  I can’t remember.  Had I gone multiple times?  The memories are hazy.  In the dim basement, he lifted and placed me on a neglected wooden shelf that contained a box of tools and toys.  Balls that he’d collected.  I sat quietly.  Trustingly.  Behaving.