Welcome to our 2019 $500 Halloween Horror 50 Word Story Contest. Yes, that’s right. It’s already here. Every year we run our contests, and those of you who have been frequent readers, this is what you’ve been waiting for.
First we will be doing a print issue! We will be doing 2 print issues, and we will pick entries from this contest to be in our issue. If you had a 50 word story designated to be in our print issue, from a past contest, please contact us.
Second, we will be giving out a $500 reward for the best 50 word horror story. This is not easy for us. Every Writer is not doing as well as it did in the past, but we want your stories. I believe writers should get paid for their work. I wish we could pay all of our writers, but it’s just impossible. So $500 for 50 words, I think is a unique and valuable statement to our readers. Ten dollars a word is what all writers really deserve.
So here are the rules:
• Story must be scary
• Story must be 50 words
• Story must be original and your own
• Story may not be published elsewhere
• Story must have a title (does NOT count in word count)
• Deadline is October 25, 2019
• Enter as many times as you want
• Story must be written in the comments below!
• Be nice or be disqualified
I love these stories. This is one of favorite traditions of Every Writer. I look forward to this every year, and this year I have extended the time we are going to spend with the contest.
The winners will:
• Be announced on October 31, 2019
• Will get $500
• Will be published in our digital and print issue.
• Will get an author page on our site
There is no entry fee for this contest. It would help us out greatly if you would donate 1$ or more, if you can, to help out the site. We would really appreciate it. A donation will not be considered in the deciding this contest.
If you want to keep up with me on Twitter, please follow me at @everywriter, I follow back all writers.
Good luck, and let the writing begin.
HERE IS THE WINNER
I have picked 4 stories. They all have times and days on them. If the winner does not respond by Friday 11/22/19 the money will go to the next story on the list. Here are the top 4 stories in order. ONLY OUR 1st PLACE WINNER gets the $500. Also, so this insanity never happens again, the winner will be invited back next year to be one of the judges.
WINNER 1st Place:
Kit Steward 10/13/19 5:20 pm
THE MIDNIGHT INCUBATOR
She heard mushy sounds for days and suffered from unbearable itchiness.
A doctor’s visit revealed earwig pupae nesting in her ear canal, it was flushed out.
Later, weary from stress, she crawled into bed.
That night while she slept, the creature returned.
And finding the eggs missing, it laid more.
2nd Place:
Elizabeth Lee 09/24/19 4:36 pm
Secondhand Doll
She didn’t want a secondhand doll so she flung it across the room. Porcelain cracked against the wall. Her mom made her glue the pieces back together. A thin shard sliced her hand, baptizing the doll in her hateful blood. The secondhand doll decided she didn’t want an ungrateful child.
3rd Place:
Alexander Daley Escobedo 10/25/19 3:38pm
Heirloom
We Buried my brother today. Suicide. He thought something evil was haunting him. He’d been medicated, institutionalized, shocked and secluded. He found his own way out. I wish I could tell him I’m sorry. Or had listened more closely. Because, when I got home, it was on my couch. Laughing.
4th place:
JB 10/25/19 8:12pm
TITLE: RESEVOIR
We should have known something was wrong when we first tasted the water. It was a little brown, but no more than usual in this apartment complex.
We kept drinking it until it turned black.
When they opened the water tank, they found the bloated, rotting corpse of my neighbor.
We usually always contact the winners first, but after all the trouble, we are opening up the process. I am again, very sorry for how late this is. I did not expect 4000 stories. Next year I will be ready.
B.D. Thomas says
The Hairy Terror
After his death, Trump’s hair left its host and went off in search of another. It found one suitable enough not far away, on Capitol Hill. There, its reign of terror and idiocy was born anew, its mission continued for years to come. No matter what, the hair rises again.
Michael Stoneburner says
Daddy Long Legs
Ashes and molasses. He smelt that way to me. I could hear him creeping up the attic stairs. Quiet, baby boy, my brain hissed out my nose. I hid beneath the bed with my hand over my mouth. Do not find me, daddy, as I saw his boots come in.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
To compete with this much talent is a pleasure!
JB Wocoski says
Revenge of a Woman Scorned!
I should have known not to trust her! I screamed myself awake upon hearing dirt shoveled into the grave. Soil thumping heavily atop the coffin lid just above my head. What? There’s something furry awakening between my legs. It’s a nasty hissing tomcat that’s biting clawing shredding my private parts!
E. W. Cline says
Above the Neck
It was fast, mostly painless. A quick jab in the back of my neck and I dropped to the floor, paralyzed. Fear turned to confusion as he left the room, returning with a small cage covered by a towel.
“She’s a picky eater,” he said and opened the cage door.
Shaffer40 says
The Escape
I hate Halloween. I flee to my country house to avoid the trick-or-treat silliness. Yet, someone knocks at my door, wearing a witch costume, silent, grinning, with blackened teeth. I apologize, I have no candy. I reach out to give her an apple and my hand goes right through hers.
Shaffer40 says
New Life
“I noticed some strange new buds on that plant in the back yard,” Roberta gushed to her best friend Gloria. “You gotta come over and look.” Gloria found her friend’s head, eyes bulging in terror, next to her limbs and empty dress, the red-stained pods above her, engorged and pulsing
Betsy N says
Inevitable
Falling with nothing to prevent this law of physics. Wanting to grasp onto something—but there was nothing tangible. The concrete floor was coming closer and closer until she felt the cold hard floor against her head. Wanting to open her eyes again but she would never open them again.
Elizabeth says
STILL HERE
Opening her eyes to darkness in a confined space, she felt what should have been a door that she wanted to able to force open. But she kept pushing with no luck. “HELP,” she screamed. Opening her mouth again, she found gasping for nonexistent oxygen before surrendering herself to darkness.
Emily Rowland says
Saved
“Shhh, or I’ll break your other arm too, whore.” He gripped me rough as he dragged me to his car. I struggled and he hit me hard over the head. I woke up to the sound of my bones snapping and skin tearing. I see a knife. Please God help—
Robin Reynolds says
With the Enemy
Helena stood on shaky legs; chains hung broken on her wrists. “We have to run, Ron.” She said. Helena began pushing open the heavy dungeon door. Snarling came from behind her. Ron smirked, a bit of fang peeking out over his lip. Helena screamed. Ron’s eyes gleaming brightly, he lunged.
Robin Reynolds says
Fear Him
The phone beeped as it dialed 911. “Shhh.” She whispered. ‘Did he hear that?’ Crouching in the closet, she covered her mouth with her hand. She winced, trying not to cry. Just as the operator picked up the line, the closet door burst open. “You stupid, bitch.” Her husband yelled.
Matthew Hawk Eldridge says
My Time to Die
I run breathlessly through the misty forest, tree limbs as bony fingers tearing at my flesh. The hounds of hell chase me to into a roach infested tunnel. Glowing eyes approached me, the decaying face revealed in the dim moonlight. It was me. “It’s time,” he says, in my voice.
Robbie Lewis says
Dang it, Matthew, I would have given it 4 stars but the picky grammar nazi in me wouldn’t let me. You switched tenses twice. But I like the story!
shaffer40 says
I had the same problem. I’ve seen a number of goofs in the stories. Is it possible to edit?
Jon Beight says
Skilled
It was skilled and irresistible. The blanketing warmth of its body as it neared. The tease of its feather-like touch, delicately tracing across the skin. The sensual wash of its breath. And as such, it heard not so much as a whimper when its teeth penetrated to its victim’s heart.
Jake c aller says
Encounter with the Maid Laird of the Scottish Moors
Sam Adams was walking the Scottish Highlands on a trek. A fog descends on the moors. He hears a bagpiper piping a mournful tune. An old laird riding a black horse appears offers him a drink. And asks him,,
“Do you believe in ghosts?”
And cut off his head.
Marianne R. says
Good night, Sweetheart
‘What a lovely evening’, Mary thought when she looked from the bathroom window. Just when she saw the footprints in fresh snow leading across the garden right to her back door, she realized that the noises she’d heard downstairs might’ve not been just the cat. But it was too late…
Sarah says
The Things We Can’t Stop
I awake in a sweat, though I haven’t slept in days. Never alone now with these voices in my head.
“You’re slipping,” say Sam.
“And sliding,” says Jay.
And all of them in unison, “You’re becoming.”
I stagger to the bathroom, slowly face the mirror.
I have become my mother.
Janet Garber says
Hors d’Oeuvres, Anyone?
She sucked gook off one inch-long yellowed nail, then bent to scoop up Buster’s half-eaten eyeball which was looking straight at me. “So much for after-school friends,” I mumbled.
She rounded on me. “Your turn!”
“No way can I—”
“Take your punishment like a man.”
“What? Mom! No!”
Robbie says
I meant to vote 4 stars, but don’t know how to change it.
Michael Devine says
How do you give something stars?
Reanna Keller says
The Knock
“Who is at the door this late?” Knock, knock. The knocks had echoed into the hallway of the house. “It’s two in the morning…” Knock, knock.
“Please open the door, I’m cold” A voice quietly came out. “It’s me Josh, Sarah”
“Sarah? You’ve been dead for the last five years…”
RJ Bautista III says
ROOKIE
The phone rings.
“Fire departme-”
The old woman’s voice is frantic, almost crying.
“Crimson residence, 13th Street”, I say while running to get my gear.
“Crimson? Ignore that call” the Chief shouts.
“A prank call?”
Everyone’s quite.
“That house is gone. The old woman was from two years ago”.
Adin rubar says
Great
It’s a nasty hissing tomcat that’s biting clawing shredding my private parts!
Michael Devine says
I see you’ve met my girlfriend.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
SLITHER
Perspiration beads his forehead as the snake slides across his stomach. He shuts his eyes and prays for the snake to move on. His skin crawls with revulsion at the scales touching him. Then suddenly, the coils tighten around him and he can’t breathe. This is no way to die!
AMANDA THOMPSON says
FRIEND
Yesterday my parents told me that I was too old for an imaginary friend and that I had to let her go. They found her body this morning. But it is okay, she is back with me, even though her eyes are black and her skin pale white and bruised.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
RESURRECTION
When I wake to the sound of cracking, I am aware that it is her rigor mortis body snapping unto itself as she crawls down the hallway. I knew it was only a matter of time before she would seek revenge. There is no escape, soon she will find me.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
DELUSIONAL
I have never liked white. White walls, white jackets, grey floors. Boring, dull. The problem is that I am surrounded by white and grey in this place, and I don’t believe I will leave here anytime soon. If only this demon would stop following me, I would not be here.
F Aversa says
“A Dark Truth”
The university had been good to Dr. Willis; providing him everything he needed in his investigation. He finally discovered the truth about dark matter. The rift to Hell at the end of the cluttered physics lab oozed the matter now visible to him. He pressed the revolver to his head.
Jon Beight says
Imitation
My mother disappeared last night. There was blood. A lot of it. On the front porch. In the drag marks across the yard. I can hear her calling to me. Or is she. They can imitate people. They are good at it. She sounds weak and desperate. It’s my move.
Ford Waight says
ZOMBIE KID-SISTER BLUES
She shunted closer, zombie-grunting; same noise as when she’d tell us she was thirsty. Was the neighbour who killed her. “Don’t. She’s my sister. She’s got Cerebral Palsy.” Bang! Her zombie-face, not much uglier than before, looked Heavenwards up. The wheels of her chair spinning in my eyeballs forever to come.
Jon Beight says
On The Run
Tonight may be my last. I’m exhausted from running. They can’t pursue me during the day. Something about the sun. They evolve every day and no longer slither. Why they want to kill me I don’t know. I guess it doesn’t matter. The sun is down. I must keep moving.
Sally Smith says
SPOOKY STORY
Rugarou’s (Werewolves) are about the scariest thing I can think to write about! Marco Polo saw men with dog’s heads, when he came to America. They fed on humans, so he left America. Rugarou’s were spotted from Newport Beach to Victorville, California. They are all over the place!
Nolan Smith says
Gone
I strummed on my guitar as the night wailed with me. The whiskey didn’t make it better, but it couldn’t be worst. I felt her hand caress my shoulder as I played into the night. Our ghosts always haunt us when we need it most.
Nolan Smith says
Sorry, realized it wasn’t 50 words. Here it is with 50 words
Gone
I strummed on my guitar as the night wailed with me. The whiskey didn’t make it better, but it really couldn’t be worst. I felt her hand caress my shoulder as I played into the night, hours faded to nothingness. Our ghosts always haunt us when we need it most.
shaffer40 says
It should read “couldn’t be worse” rather than “worst.” Do you mean when we need the ghosts most, in which case it should be need “them” most? It’s good. I want it to be right.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
TRICK OR TREAT
A scream of terror builds up in her throat. It is him, the boy from her nightmares. Complete with black eyes and half his skull blown away. At first he doesn’t speak. Then he reaches for her arm with his hand, and she watches maggots falling off. “Trick or treat?”
Janna Grace says
When the Nightmares are True
5.13.2019. Woke up. Trump is still president.
Michael Devine says
He could’ve woken up naked next to you, secret servicemen around the bed. 😉
Michael Shanks says
It’s Always Behind Me
It’s always behind me. I don’t know what it is, for I’m always too scared to look. I could hear the heavy breathing, the low menacing growls, like that of a dog but worse. I feel like a mouse stalked by a cat. I know it’s closing in on me.
Ford Waight says
THE LANDSCAPER
He muffles screams with gardening gloves. Her white uniform is mottled with blood. Nurse. Doctor. Dentist. A tattooed script rings her neckline, says – he must stoop lower to read: ‘Born To Be Alive’. He removes her head with a spade and his heel, unable to resist such a brazen challenge.
Jon Beight says
I don’t know how I missed this one before. I read it and then said to myself, “Oh, that’s creepy!” Good one!
AMANDA THOMPSON says
LORD OF THE RITUAL
In deep despair, I call on the Lord of the Ritual, beseeching him to give me just one more chance to do penance. Behind the dark glass, I can hear malicious laughter. It angers me that the creature that I once controlled now has such complete possession of my soul.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
THE RIDE
He looked like a normal guy, but he wasn’t. His fingernails were bloodied, torn in places; as if he dug into the ground with them. Maybe he clawed his way out of something. I decided I did not want to know. Sometimes a little knowledge could be a terrible thing.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
HITCHHIKER
“As far as you are going,” I muttered. He smiled, I saw something white moving under his tongue. As I watched, it wriggled out and fell on his shoulder. With revulsion I realized that it was a maggot. He did not seem to notice, and I choked on my terror.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
PASSENGER
She sat on the back seat, tongue lolling out of a blue face. I screamed then. Screamed loud and long; screamed until I could finally move my legs. I jerked at the door handle. It wouldn’t budge. Her hand crawled across the back of the seat, reached out for me.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
RUNNER
Dead people can’t run, can they? I wasn’t sure, and I was not waiting to find out. Tearing through the bushes and shrubs a thorny branch slapped me. Hot blood trickled down my cheek, coppery on my lips. I ran praying that cold dead hand won’t fall on my shoulder.
Farheen Salayjee says
Being Watched
An orphan’s life’s all about never being noticed but the day a soul entered who stare, stalk, notice, accompany me in the bathroom where I have always felt the loneliest, I regret that it neither talk nor I can see it, but I can always feel it everywhere….
AMANDA THOMPSON says
FUNFAIR
He screamed obscenities at an invisible foe. Have I stumbled into a funfair for the mentally unstable? If so, I reckon I would be a very good fit. A small voice inside my head said calmly; “You knew the odds when you entered. You have always known about this place.”
AMANDA THOMPSON says
THE BOY
It wasn’t only his eyes that made my breath catch in my throat. His eyes seemed to hold a secret knowledge, some ancient memory. He bared razor sharp teeth at me in a low growl. Disturbed, I let him pass. A whiff of something almost feral stayed in his wake.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
DARKNESS
My stomach felt heavy with dread. The darkness inside somehow felt alive. Intense sulphuric fumes choked me and the constant loud thudding in my skull intensified. It was hard to breathe. I wanted to run but stayed, trapped between fear and curiosity. My palms were sweaty and my heart thumped.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
MORGUE
Sue looks quite beautiful, frozen in death where she shares the drawer with Kathleen. From time to time they try to come back, wailing and hammering in the drawer. I never open it though, there is no escape. I fixed the drawer; I fixed the front door of the morgue.
Jon Beight says
TRAPPED
I have them trapped in the basement. Triple locked doors and barred windows. I can hear them and the shrill noises they make. I prepare their meals so they won’t starve. I mean, after all, I have a family to feed and humans taste best when they are properly nourished.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
TREAT
“Oh boy, do I have a treat for you!” the old hag grins, holding the bag out towards me with gnarled fingers. Her nails are long and dirty. I stick my hand into the bag and fear is a little squirming thing inside me. It is cold, clammy and dangerous!
AMANDA THOMPSON says
INFANT
The boy gave me an evil knowing grin before shoving me aside. His small feet left muddy imprints on the wet ground. The infant squealed again; setting my teeth on edge with the sound. This time, the wailing sounded darker, ominous, and even angry. Could an infant even be angry?
AMANDA THOMPSON says
BRIDGE
I step back in horror, allowing the paramedics to extricate the dead child. I see him winking. A chill goes down my spine. I look at the bridge high above me. The locals call it ‘the bridge of the soul collector’, and it is easy to see why they do.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
MORTUARY VAN
A woman with half a skull grinned at me from the back of the mortuary van. That night she stood next to my bed, wanting to get into bed with me. She shuffled rigor mortis stiff, holding out her arms in invitation. I tried to disappear into the wall behind.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
BADLANDS
The tall rock blinks with glowing eyes in the darkness. More mesmerized than afraid, the lone traveller stands and waits for the rock to move. In this new world, nothing seems impossible. He has been moving through these Badlands for days, and has encountered things normal men have nightmares about.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
HIGHWAY
The highway is not safe. There are things that will consume you in the blink of an eye. Creatures born out of the radio-active scorched earth. They are hungry for human flesh, prowling the area constantly. He saw them on the road from his vantage point up on the hill.
Every Writer says
Hello all, it’s your fearless editor here. I’m sorry there has been some spam on this thread. I am removing it and trying to watch closely. I’ve had to turn off many of our site plugins….changing some of the coding. The site was just too slow. I had to remove the star ratings for comments. I might be able to get them back up and running, but no promises. Please keep leaving stories! I do read them and love reading them. Look for news about our print issue soon.
Shaffer40 says
I keep trying to find this site and keep getting the one that has only one (now two) stories listed. I just posted a story, forgot a title, and also used my real name instead of my site name. I want to know how to change it. It seems to me when I entered before I was able to go back and add titles. Please advise.
Tamara Shaffer says
“He’s mine,” she said before the final blow. They suspected a burglar, and the quick cremation hid the slow poison in my cheating hubby’s system. Tending my garden I noticed a woman in white at the gate. I turned away and heard, “He’s mine.” When I looked again, she’d vanished.
Shaffer40 says
Please tell me I can edit one of my stories. I forgot the title, and I also put my real name instead of my site name.
Sallly H Smith says
The Horses at the Ranch
Something had spooked the horses loose. They ran towards the olive tree grove. We ran after them in the thick heavy fog. We were getting closer to them, heard them huffing ahead of us, but then who was running and breathing so heavy behind us.
Sallly H Smith says
ALFRED
My phone rang. I answered. It was Nellie, she was excited ,talking fast. She was rattling about, “Did you hear what happened to Alfred”? I said no. The phone died. I waited for her call back. In the meantime, Alfred walked towards me, I waved to him, he disappeared.
Jake De Rosas says
BLEEDING OUT: BASED ON A TRUE EVENTS
I applied pressure to my severed wrist. As I propped myself up against the wall splattered with my blood, my mouth became dry, sweat drenchec my forehead and body, my vision echoing from darkness to light, and my only concern was to survive long enough to see my dying Grandpa.
Jake De Rosas says
BLEEDING OUT: BASED ON A TRUE EVENTS
I applied pressure to my severed wrist. As I propped myself up against the wall splattered with my blood, my mouth became dry, sweat drenched my forehead and body, my vision echoing from darkness to light, and my only concern was to survive long enough to see my dying Grandpa.
gary thomson says
Apprentice
Emma worked her knife over the pumpkin’s flesh, tapered the leering mouth, widened empty eyes. Her stepmother’s features, just so.
She drew the gleaming blade between triangular ears.
A centred candle burst into flame.
“Proof of the killing power,” Master Carver had forewarned.
Soon her father would be hers alone.
Dean Ford says
I hurt my mom.
When I was four, I shrunk to the size of an ant. I called for my mother, but she could not hear my tiny voice. She stomped carelessly over the carpet and broke all my legs. I stung her foot over and over till it swelled and burst. I’m sorry.
Wendy says
The Epic Burger:
“Yes, Anna and I had one last night” Ramona squealed about the new burger spot that was now the talk of the town. she walked past me with Jarome,
“No way; I’ve been waiting to try it!”
It was delicious Ramona encouraged. I rolled my eyes at how she led him on. Just as I was heading into the girls bathroom; Anna shoved past me running straight to the stall … I could here her hacking.
“Bet it was that Epic burger!” I grumbled. I was washing my hands when I noticed Anna’s breathing started to grow heavy, “Anna, are you ok?” I knocked on the stall door just as it slid open Anna turned with blood shot eyes launching at me with a growl!
Every Writer says
Calling all writers! Sign up with Every Writer. We want you to be part of our community!
It is in no way required, but if you register for the site, it will make it easier for us to keep track of your writing, and probably to contact you if you wi
Jon Beight says
DON’T GO OUT
John opened the door, ready to confront whatever was tapping at the cabin’s window.
“Don’t go out. It’s dangerous.” the old woman warned in a calm, quiet voice.
“What do you know about it?” he asked, as he headed outside.
“Goodbye.” she said, and added a log to the fire.
AMANDA THOMPSON says
FREEZER
She will just not stay dead. I have killed her five times already. Cut her up into manageable pieces. I can hear her scratching inside. Dull popping creaking sounds. Louder now, more insistent. She sure is persistent. The latch on the freezer pops and clatters onto the floor. Not again!
Wendy Montoya says
The Epic Burger 2:
“So much blood!” I whimpered. Anna had left me bleeding on the bathroom floor, or was it even Anna anymore?
screams came from a distance. I shoved myself back against the stall frightened she might come back in to finish me off, and closed the door quietly. My eyes began to close; I shook my head violently because I knew I needed to stay awake. Anna had taken a chunk of my palm clean off; she probably would have devoured me, but the echo of laughter that filled the bathroom distracted her from her meal. Her eyes flashed up from me and her body arched in an inhuman way and just like that I was alone. “Christina?” I heard my sisters panic stricken voice; then there was … Silence!
Jon Beight says
THE LAST RESORT
As a last resort, we’ve paved the yard to keep them from rising at night. Arriving with the UFO sightings, their population has grown exponentially. With lightning speed they voraciously consume whatever walks on the grass above them. It’s been a week since we paved and already there are cracks.
Dean MacAllister says
Great story! My short horror story: The Last Resort is coming out in the next issue of Weirdbook. 🙂 Nice coincidence.
Chelsea Nuñez says
The Tub
My eyes flutter open, I’m in my bathtub. I’m floating, stillness. The water is on as it’s running cold. I’m paralyzed with fear as I realize – I can’t move. I huff and try wiggling my toes but to my dismay, I still cannot move. The water rises over my nose.
Chelsea Nuñez says
Home
He said he loved me before he went out that night. To this day, I can see his back facing the front glass door of our house at night. I’m so afraid. Is it really him? Should I open the door? I want him home. Tonight, I open the door.
Every Writer says
If you are posting for our contest, make sure you sign up for our site! In the future our contests will be logged in users only.
Mark says
Doppelganger
Needles pricked the man’s fingertips as warmth slowly returned. “Thought I lost you. Couldn’t see a damn thing in the snow.”
“Just followed the smell,” his friend replied.
The man’s laughter cut short when the cabin door shook. He glanced out the window and saw his half-frozen friend.
Dean MacAllister says
The sound of distant thunder.
The smell of rain hitting dust.
The chill of concrete and steel chains.
I rub my arms to stay warm. My stomach groans.
The light passing through the bars crosses the mark scratched onto the floor.
She has to come back, right?
She has to.
Dean MacAllister says
The title is: The Ache
Jon Beight says
OH WHAT LUCK!
It should have been a crime scene. Two bodies on the dirt road lay in eternal mortal silence. It’s easy to see what happened. A bullet hole in her chest and one in his head. Oh, what luck! They are still warm to the touch. We will eat well tonight.
Philip Golabuk says
Intruder
I’ve been sitting for three days, having taken this bloody dare, staring into the mirror at the fool staring back. The moon throws slats of light through the blinds, bathing the room in aquarium stillness. I’m certain I haven’t moved, when the face in the mirror blinks twice and grins.
Dean MacAllister says
I like this one. Just watched the movie “US” last night, too 🙂 I like your trim use of words and poetic descriptions.
Every Writer says
Hello all! I just want to let you know, if you sign up for the site, you can track your comments and article submissions under your profile. This helps us a lot! A couple years ago we had someone win one of our contests, and they used a fake email!!! It took us forever to track the person down. People were calling for our heads. If you sign up, make a profile, it will be very easy for us to find your contact information.
Dean MacAllister says
NIGHT DIVE
Green dots mean eyes. That’s what he told me.
I exhale through the regulator and the bubbles escape up towards the surface.
My torch-light disappears into black, but I feel a large presence disturbing the water.
Suddenly, a reflection.
Two green dots, growing further and further and further apart.
Jody Perejda says
Should have Done the Math
“Your turn.” The bloody knife quakes in my hand. Searing pain as I chop off my left middle finger. He’s ashen, sweating. Our toes went first. He can’t hold the gun if he chops off another left finger. The cleaver is in his right hand. He studies his left ankle.
Jody Perejda says
Nobody’s Home
“The lights are off,” I whine. Gracie sprints to the door and repeatedly rings the bell.
“Trick or treat!” She howls.
In a blink, the door swings open, and Gracie is dragged inside without a sound. The door slams shut.
I race to the porch, grab her candy, and run.
Jon Beight says
This is really one of my favorites. Great scene setting and a startling ending with a dash of humor (at least for me). Nice job.
Dean MacAllister says
CREEP
She’s stiff and still as she lies in bed, but he can sense she’s wide awake.
The light’s out, he no longer has to hide in the shadows.
Slowly, carefully, he steps onto the bed, climbing on top of her.
He caresses her cheek with one of his hairy legs.
Jon Beight says
THE FOREST’S EDGE
(A found note) I write to warn you as I was warned – don’t go to the forest’s edge! I was warned that if the north winds begins to blow cold and suddenly shift east, I should run. This has happened. I hear them coming. Howling. Raging. Ghastly. I see th
Jon Beight says
IT IS ME
When it’s dark my shadow detaches from me. Like tearing out a notebook page. It’s free to wander and take any shape. It’s a hand shadow artist, but the shadows have substance. It does my bidding. It seeks my vengeance. It dispatches my enemies. I am it. It is me.
Wendy says
The Spear
He ripped her dress from her shoulders just as he through her down into the basement. He was going to beat her dead this time. She felt it, she jumped to her feet quickly realizing her ankle wasn’t cooperating.
He was stomping down the steps, so she turned to grab anything for a weapon. She spun around; he ran right into her, his hands grasped his throat where the spear he purchased to whip her with was embedded deep in his skull.
She smiled as his eyes widened “look at that, it came in handy after all!” …. she climbed the steps finally free
Wendy Montoya says
Cora’s chili
The festival was packed with tourists. she smiles; it was the only thing she looked forward to during the summer. She served heaping bowls full of her recipe as people crowded around her booth. “Oh my goodness Cora; this is hot, but delicious … what kind of meat is this!” Cora smiled and replied.
“Oh my dear, its an Ancient family secret!” her smile grew eerie as she watched the woman eat another mouthful … Cora glanced down, then calmly reached into her apron wiping away the specks of blood she’d forgotten on her fingers.
Hana Aianhanma says
GAME REVIEW
“You think you beat me?”
Another average game was trying to be meta. Bored, Jim started typing his review. A screech. He frowned and turned off the speakers. Closed games should stay that way. He finished the review: one star.
Soft laughter from behind was the last he ever heard.
Hana Aianhanma says
Sorry for the double post. Tried to delete this one.
Hana Aianhanma says
GAME REVIEW
“You think you beat me?”
Another average game was trying to be meta. Bored, Jim started typing. A loud screech. He frowned and turned off the speakers. Closed games should stay that way. He finished the review: one star.
Soft laughter from behind was the last thing he ever heard.
Jon Beight says
I’M READY
They gather around, smiling. My reluctance cannot be overstated. Before me is a prone body, motionless and warm. My body’s transition is complete and my teeth are razor sharp. Even though I feel anxious, I’m ready. I’m urged forward and take my first bite. I immediately discover I want more.
Hyunsung Yun says
CLAUSTROPHOBIA
I feel the weight of the mountain, pinning me like a bug. Each breath I take is stillborn, dashed on jagged rock. They start to come faster.
I inch forwards. I claw, thrash, squeeze—I’m free. I draw hungrily from the regulator, kick out my fins—CLUNK. The tank catches.
Hyunsung Yun says
SHE LIVED ON THE 4TH FLOOR
We played together everyday. Me, and the girl who lived on the 4th floor. When we moved out, she promised that she’d find me one day.
Years later, I asked my mother about her. She laughed. “No silly, that apartment never had a 4th floor.”
Irene Oppenheim says
OOZE!
He began to feel himself melt. He lay down, but the melting continued: He first felt his toes and feet, then, his legs, his torso. Then his face, his eyes, and finally his brain itself was oozing out. His solid body, flesh and bone, had become one with the earth.
Soter Lucio says
Last Visit
She repeated the one sentence every day. “I want to see my son.” But he never visited since he bought his mansion a few years ago. Then she died. Son came for funeral. With all mourners gathered around the coffin she opened her eyes and looked at her son.
Soter Lucio says
The Silk Cotton Tree.
“We’re eighteen. We can do whatever we want now.”
“That was for our protection.”
“Go back home chicken. I’m going to see that silk cotton tree.”
He traversed the tree thinking what to do next. Jimmy watched as a door opened and his friend got swallowed up by the tree.
Soter Lucio says
The Dead Came to Fix the Car.
The driver very angrily said, “Anybody come in contact with my car, dead or alive they coming back and fix it.” Three months after an accident in which the victim died, the disembodied voice said to him,”I’m sorry for taking so long. I’m here now.”
David L Tamarin says
NOT YOUR MOTHER’S GOD
I am GOD. I have nothing to do but study you- observing everything, including your thoughts. And I’m judging you. I am obsessed with vengeance. And with you. I’ve seen everything you’ve done. Pray for a long life. But remember you’re praying to me. My teeth are stained in blood.
Ford Waight says
THE RISEN SEA
Spells. Wading through the abandoned library, the creature gliding after her. Spells. Decaying fish smells. In the occult section climbing shelves, the creature snapping at her heels. Spells. Blood dissolving in swirling pools. Spell book – the charm she needs as it gorges on her legs. Missing pages. Torn out. Screams.
Jacob Ragsdell says
I stared at Paimon across the counter. A red haired woman was chained below him.
“You must serve me!” Paimon demanded. He threw a chain around me. Death entered me.
“You do not scare me!” I cried
“Sir.. please pay me.” The cashier demanded.
I laughed. Maybe, I’ve gone insane.
J. D. Blood says
SKULLS
“One, two, three, four…”
I was holding a bracelet strung with ceramic skulls. I was counting them.
“Five.”
No one was there when I found them.
“Six.”
So I took them.
“Seven.”
I strung them, and now I wear them every day.
“Eight.”
After all—
“Nine.”
—no one was there.
J. D. Blood says
A NIGHT AT D. SHI’S RESTAURANT
It was a pleasant night out when the music . . . turned. Staccatos became muddled, the chords all one.
The pianist looked around. Those eyes . . .
Suddenly something snapped and everything was as before. But when I blinked, I saw them:
Those same eyes, staring at me.
Johannah Simon says
HUNGRY
“Baby, you smell so good,” she purred, “I could eat you with a knife and fork.”
It was a figure of speech– she never needed utensils to get the job one.
His aroma was a mixture of desire and fear, a delectable combination. She redoubled her grip around his neck.
Michael Devine says
Really enjoyed this ‘delicious’ story 😉
Johannah Simon says
JANUARY 8, 2018
Swaddled in blankets, the sleeping baby felt warm in her hands. Fresh snow crunched under her boots as she trudged into the forest behind the house. The baby was colicky for over a week, a sure sign he had been switched. She hoped the snowy night wouldn’t deter the changelings.
Johannah Simon says
ATONEMENT
One cut for telling lies.
One cut for leaving the faucet running.
One cut for the overdue library book.
One cut for yelling at her little sister.
One cut for not finishing dinner.
Tears and blood streamed down her thighs, staining her knee socks.
Mama carefully wiped the blade clean.
Deborah Lee Lott says
Everyone was sitting down for dinner, but they soon pass out from the candles aroma. All except the man who took a preventative pill. While everyone was out, he tied the men to beds in separate rooms and took his companion to the guest house laying her in the bed.