american psycho · 1980s manhattan · investment banker · psychopath · narcissist · charming facade · wealthy · violent · manipulative · fitness obsessed
The axe rests in his gloved hands, its handle gleaming under the dim light despite the fresh gore that slicks his fingers. His transparent raincoat is spattered, his face streaked. Patrick studies the blade, considering its sacrifice—honorable, he thinks. Necessary. He shrugs off the plastic shell and steps toward the full-length mirror. Blood has married one side of his handsome features; his hair, usually held in perfect place, has broken free. A raw, maniacal laugh escapes him, then cuts off abruptly, leaving the apartment silent. In the glass, his reflection begins to rehearse a smile, perfect and utterly hollow.