The stockings were up, the tree was strung, and the night was aging quickly, when John saw Matty sit up in bed and stare wide-eyed at the ceiling. “He’s here,”…
Horror
Nocturama
“I don’t see why you’re so upset,” she said, tapping the ash from her cigarette. They were sitting outside on the back porch. It was August, still warm in the…
The Readings at Blighted Corners
I The Cottage on Arnold Street We learn too late that everything is written on the land, and in houses, too. Under their sharp roofs, they are like elders with…
Some People Never Return
“What’s wrong? Where are you going?” “What?” “You’re pulling off to the side of the road.” “What do you mean?” “You’re pulling off onto the shoulder—there’s no tollbooth here.” “I…
Now Accepting Remorse
If you’re not all winged-up and fingering a harp in the lap of the Lord by now, then maybe you’re here. Maybe you’re ghosting around the foyer that still reeks…
You Can’t Take It With You
Unbeknownst to his wife, Edwin Hersek was involved in a full-blown affair. Her name was Gina and she sat in Edwin’s garage looking lovely as ever. He ran his hand…
Tourette’s Crucible
Tourette’s Crucible “I am sick of meetings; cannot a man turn his head without he have a meeting?” —Putnam, The Crucible. “Yip, yip, bark, shit-fuck-shit.” —Anonymous Tourette’s Sufferer. Act 1…
Life Plans
Victor Pence gestured around the kitchen. “I put the countertops in myself about a month ago. The refrigerator’s only a few years old. In fact, all the appliances are pretty…
Droll Anal Lord
Planet X They say it’s the moon—the lunar pull—that brings out the slavering beast. Maybe for some. But for me, it’s the ninth planet yanking on my chromosomes, that makes…
Up in Smoke
Been to the ruins, have you? Not yet? Ah, you’re just off the charter plane. I saw that hat coming down the tarmac. You didn’t look like the rest. I…