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• Story may not be published elsewhere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.
Komala Ponniah says
Silky Death
I woke up groggy in a deserted barn. How did I get here? Last thing I remember was the cocktail party at Arachnea’s. Something hairy crawled on my neck. Before I could brush it off, silky strings began wrapping my face. Multiple eyes stared at me. Eyes belonging to Arachnea!
Creepy Girl says
I saw a little baby boy that just finished eating a little girl. And had a really long knife in his hand. And the boy was bleeding from his nose and said a monster went up his nose and ate his brain. And the boy turned into an evil monster.
Joseph Lundberg says
Not Alone
I was reading in my living room last night when all of a sudden, I heard footsteps walking down the hallway. When I got up to look, it was my wife dusting the furniture. What made this unsettling is that I killed here a year ago today.
Gerri Zimmerman says
Fool
The cursed skeleton sits on top of the coach that travels the same dirt road, year after year, on Halloween. The curse can be lifted quickly if the skeleton would but tell the evil witch he is very, very sorry. But he’d rather make the annual trip. More fool he.
Joel Reeves says
HOME REMEDIES
He stood naked, his skin blue, his whole body trembling, icy water running down his legs, forming a pool at his feet.
“Happy birthday, John.”
He opened the box.
“Here’s the receipt,” Ethel said, smiling. “We can return it if it doesn’t fit.”
John pulled on the straitjacket.
“Absolutely perfect.”
Emmanuel okorie says
What Should I Believe
On a breezy evening in a lonely beach with my brothers sleeping. Hearing faint groans from behind, I turned to meet an man coming with a bamboo stick and a white towel around his waist. With him almost closing in on me, I woke up with my friends around me.
Liz says
Skin
When I woke up, my cheek felt hot, itchy, and inflamed. The reflection in the mirror revealed an infected and pulsating wound. As I touched it cautiously, my skin began to bubble and boil. Suddenly, it burst and hundreds of spiders poured out of it spilling into my open mouth.
Katy Lyst says
Existential Card Game of a Prisoner’s Dilemma
When my journey through time was complete, I realized the glue I’d eaten as a child bonded me completely to my past. The parents I wished I’d never been born to; The husband who cheated on me; the tumor roiling inside me, playing cards on a Saturday night Vegas strip.
Troy Jackson says
PINOCCHIO’S PLAYLIST
The fresh rainfall had seriously helped
“I really believe that Oingo Boingo was an overlooked seminal rock band “
~~grow~~
~~*snip*~~
~~germinate~~
With every fabrication
his army of indestructible
godless marionettes
continued to ‘grow’
The world soon rue the day that that dumbass Geppetto choose to wish upon that shooting star
Debra Daugherty says
MY HELL’S FURY DEMISE
My hands shook as I dragged Tom’s lifeless body to the basement incinerator, leaving a trail of blood.
“You’ll never hurt me again,” I said, while tossing my ex into the flames.
I turned and screamed. “Tom!”
I’d killed his twin.
He laughed as he pushed me into the fire.
Daniel Londono says
My Own Little Contest, 2019 Edition
I quench my murderous thirst with brilliant victims only; once a year the opportunity arises, and this year, it just so happens that a silly Halloween short story contest provides me with my chance. The majority need not fear, for they are far from fulfilling my prerequisites. Winner, I await.
Katy Lyst says
?? ☠️??
APB: The Short Story Contest Killer (A.K.A. Daniel Ladondo)
I heard about this writing contest that requires 50 words with a Halloween Horror theme. So I wrote two stories and submitted them. But there’s a catch. Isn’t there always? Could this be my last story? Oops, I missed the 50-word mark. Phew, (typo) I just might be safe this Halloween.
Michele M. says
Supernatural Chorus
In a forgotten red cabin, in the middle of the forest.
A witch wielding a baton, leads a supernatural chorus.
Hair-raising, spine-chilling, calamitous sounds invade the air.
Their medley of mayhem lures in unsuspecting listeners, filling them with dread and despair.
Cover your ears, sing along only, if you dare.
Nancy Early says
THE TORNADO
It was so dark outside and the terrifying noise was getting closer! She ran down the pier, jumped in the water and wrapped herself around a slimy pilling. She turned and saw the most horrifying eyes. Suddenly with the deepest voice it said, “I can get you whenever I want!”
Troy Jackson says
THE CANDYMAN AT THE OFFICE
Cognizant from his earlier epiphanies..
He, Beetleguese and Bloody Mary had started a support group..
Candyman figured that there had to be a way to break this curse…
Perhaps he would re enter into negotiations with the Cenobytes..
Perhaps get into another roe with Bram Stoker, down in HR?
Alexander Daley Escobedo says
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.
Troy Jackson says
SUBPOENA HERE FOR MR. HENDERSON
There’d been clues all along..
The fecund musk..
The half eaten pine cones..
but
The enormous muddy footprints upon her new Persian was the last straw
A Gigantopithecus bipedal hominid / Ohma / Bigfoot…was stalking her..
She departed for cooler climes immediately
The paleontologist figured she rated a Yeti, at least
Loraine Ventura says
Demonic Grin
I awake startled and open my eyes. There she is, sitting on top of me, her face close to mine. I can see her black eyes, outstretched grin and jagged teeth. Her jaw repeatedly snaps open as she grabs my neck. Her eyes lock onto mine then…she begins to feast.
Loraine Ventura says
Underneath
My foot gently slides off the bed and immediately I feel the slight chill of the air conditioner brush against it. Suddenly my blood runs cold as I feel an icy hand tightly grasp my leg. Then, I hear a deep heavy whisper in my ear, “Try not to scream”.
Loraine Ventura says
In the Hallway…
I open my bedroom door and see a figure in the dark of the hallway. I blink twice, I freeze. The figure contorts its body and repeatedly snaps its head back and sniffs the air. Its head snaps forward and lets out a demonic shrill scream. Hungrily, it lunges forward.
Troy Jackson says
SISTERS IN ARMS
Entombed in their analog bunker
They bristled
When the call came in..
Having to turn their keys
Simultaneously
Never let it be said
That women lacked the intestinal fortitude
To help turn the earth
Into a nuclear nightmare
They still serve
… in hell now
Conjoined sisters
Attached
By their keys.
Loraine Ventura says
In the Basement the Creature Lies, Run Quickly Before You…
I run up the basement stairs, as I always do fearing the “monster” will get me. Halfway up the stairs, a cold appendage grabs my foot and yanks me down. Frantically I claw at the steps trying to free myself. Dark laughter echoes loudly as the basement door closes shut.
Isabella Whedbee says
A HAPPY TUNE FOR A HAPPY DOLL
Ropes tied around my wrists.
The spotlights burn my skin.
Tears stain freckles drawn on my face.
People laughed and pointed at my arms flailing motions on the puppeteers lap.
I screamed a voiceless cry to the world.
Then sing a happy song.
Please, I can’t take it much longer.
Shannon Marrone says
The Trees Are Calling
Just tree bark, as I took another step. It was eyes and fingers. So many eyes and fingers.
The bark surrounding them turned black, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up. A deep growl vibrated through me, before branches stabbed into every inch of me.
Sahag Gureghian says
BLACKOUT
The trucker walked into the darkness of the empty diner. He approached the waitress behind the counter. A knife in her hand, she shivered. “Are you alright?” He noticed the red stain on her uniform. Seeing him, her eyes widened in fear. The stain spread. “They’re here” she said. “Run.”
Isabella Whedbee says
GOODBYE JULIET
I’d gaze at Juliet’s wishing for a different world, where tonight wasn’t the final encore. I wouldn’t let fate decide. I’d sink my prop knife into her stomach, her rosy complexion turning blue. She’d end life in my arms, as Shakespeare intended. Perhaps, I’ll make that decision in the moment.
Daniel Hampton says
Hunted
I open the door and a heavy black smog billows out. The smog fills my lungs and blocks my vision. I start coughing. My eyes feel like they are burning as they tear up. All of a sudden something sharp starts to poke into my back. I hear, “hello prey.”
Troy Jackson says
NOT ONLY THE HATTER
They plied her with LSD
…her jaunts down the Rabbit hole… controlled
Until
The Warrblesword fell into her possession
It’s power… intoxicating..
And under her
Followed legions
Of cardsman
Up out the microverse
The subatomic
And
Screams of
“Off with their heads”
..the rallying cry
Heard the whole complex ‘round
Joe Mcgehee says
The Test
I jumped as it pierced my skin, my stomach—queasy and hollow. It’s only a matter of time. Unable to watch, I bit my lip hard and stared helplessly at the clock. Tick-tock. Tick-tock. A poster below it read: Practice Safe Sex. A voice finally stated, “I have your results.”
Troy Jackson says
HEY.. HEAVY WEIGHT..WAIT
He was so nice and personable..
A sweetheart, really
Soon as the gloves went on, his whole demeanor changed
He went cold
eyes glazing over
He looked right through me
The bell rung
The consequent beating was ruthless
Ref stopped it first round
Doc stopped me from swallowing my tongue.
Sahag Gurghian says
The Children
The children liked to play in the dark. Without adults around, there weren’t any rules. Bobby approached the jogger because he was small and had kind eyes. Suzie started the game by plunging in the knife. Everyone had their turn. His screams were a symphony. It was time to feast.
Robin Smith-Johnson says
Arranged Marriage
Mother helps me dress. A white gown, white shoes. “You are ready,” she whispers. My groom waits at the altar, all in black. He turns his face towards me. No eyes, his mouth a hideous slit. A claw rakes my face. I fall, blind, ravaged. Mother laughs, claps. Horror descends.
Devin Wells Johnson says
Dinner Party
“I couldn’t eat another bite,” he said to the other dinner guests. He slapped his fork and knife down on the tablecloth. The sound of clanking and chattering voices grew ever louder. This was going to be the second dinner party in a row where they couldn’t finish the corpse.
In a Blink... says
He never saw it coming.
Just a little brown boy walking down the street, minding his own business, skipping happily with his overflowed bucket into the night. Unaware of the prickly menace snatching him from below. Barely a scream before they dragged him under, never to be seen again.
Sahag Gureghian says
The Knife
He watched the woman undress, adjusting his binoculars for the perfect view. She was still naked when he crept through her unlocked door and imagined his knife piercing her naked flesh. She noticed him as he lifted his knife. Her fangs sank into his throbbing throat. The hunt was over.
M.T. Decker says
Uninvited
It was just after three when I woke to the sound of something lumbering through my apartment. I lay there unable to move as something opened my door. Something that wasn’t supposed to be there.
From the darkness, I hear a cold raspy voice say, “What a perfect midnight snack.”
Isaiah Smith says
Trick or Treat?
The candy man went on a walk and was shot on Halloween.
The ambulance couldn’t get across the sea of kid and tweens
feasting on his flesh: chocolaty, sweet…
…the same became of every kid ate who him.
The night was dark;
the air was crisp and smelled of sweets.
M.T. Decker says
Search Party
It was late, and the search party was giving up hope. They knew that if they didn’t get inside soon, there would be more injured and missing. They signaled a halt and marked the area they’d searched. They’d pick up in the morning.
Ten feet away, the survivors lay waiting.
Greg Johnson says
The Other
There was the creak of a stair tread. I was instantly fully awake, heart pounding. My eyes, now opened, revealed that I was near the top of the attic stairs. I walked into darkness and felt a malevolent presence behind me. I could not turn to see. I was paralyzed.
Khamille Marquez says
Here it is, my last breath. My heart stopped beating, but I can still feel my shattered bones. I can see the top of the building where I fell from, then it turned pitch black. Where am I? I can’t feel anything, see anything, hear anything, nor I can move.
Khamille Marquez says
Trapped
How did this happen to me? I was just walking home, but I never got to my door. I’m stuck in here, where no one can hear me. People pass by me and says I’m cute. Little did they know I’m screaming for help… because I’m trapped in this doll.
K. Robinson says
The Climb
Peter evaded the masked intruder and ran up the steep stairs nearby. After a minute, the long climb became easy. It was almost like he was…floating. Cringing, Peter looked down. The masked intruder was still stabbing Peter’s bloody body. Sighing, Peter looked up. He flinched at the blinding light.
Laura Gaona says
My hour…
I was in a good dream. I woke up again in the same, dark place. I thought that I could be free today, but I am still here, praying for a miracle. I scream, horrified. Breathless.
Please…somebody help me!!!
Shhh..he is coming to eat his favorite meal.
Me.
Khamille Marquez says
Trapped
How did this happen to me? I was just walking home, but I never got to my door. I’m stuck in here, where no one can hear me. People pass by me and says I’m cute. Little did they know I’m screaming for help… because I’m trapped in this doll.
Hilary Stanton says
Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop
Monday: Can’t find dress shoes. Wore sneakers to work.
Tuesday: Sneakers missing. Worked from home in slippers.
Wednesday: Slippers gone. Co-workers made fun of socks with sandals.
Thursday: Sandals disappeared. Sock drawer empty. Shoe store kicked me out because of bare feet.
Friday: Problem solved. Woke up with no feet.
Joel Reeves says
A GAME OF TAG
Summer was almost used up. I felt the slap on my back and stopped in mid stride.
Frozen.
The one who had tagged me, Deidre Black, disappeared into the woods at the edge of the playground. Something in the hot darkness growled.
I heard the screams.
And waited for my turn.
Sahag Gureghian says
Ok i have to finish now cause I’m late.
The Basement
THE BASEMENT
The screams were coming from the basement. In his bedroom, the 8 year old boy shut his eyes tight and covered his ears with his hands to drown out the noise. The woman was dying. They all made the same sound when they died. He hated when they made mother angry.
Amy O'Hare says
Abuse
“Hi daddy. You were right. Sorry I didn’t listen.” Isabella looked up exposing her purple, swollen eye.
“You know what you have to do Bella… go for the throat,” a deep voice whispered.
Bella looked back at her reflection in the mirror as a sinister smile formed on her face.
Taylor Davis says
Man on the Inside
The room smelled like bleach. She was tied down. The door clicked. “Who’s there?” She mouthed. She couldn’t speak. “I’m back for more,” barked a voice. Her voice. “They aren’t convinced. Your voice box wasn’t enough. I need… your face.” Scalpels. Needles. She screamed, but only in her mind.
Abby Rhodes says
Survival
Another week passes, civilization still nowhere in sight. The snow growing colder, harsher every minute. Our stomachs yearning for any food available. My husband and I looking less and less human. Is this how I die? No. A quick thump, a trickle of red in the vast white. Goodbye, love.
Amy O'Hare says
The Hunter and the Hunted
Sara darted behind a tree to catch her heaving breathes. She peeked around the tree trunk to verify her path was still void of her stalker. He means to kill her. He doesn’t realize that “cat and mouse” is her favorite hunting game and she intends to kill him first.
Tracey A. says
SEANCE
Protection oil was passed around the séance. The Exorcist sitting next to Beverly clutched his chest. With shallow breaths, he dropped the bottle and warned everyone to leave. “The Demons are here!”
“Bullshit,” Beverly thought, driving home. The growl in her ear caused the crash. The bite marks killed her.
Ava Hallberg says
FORBIDDEN SANDBOX
We aren’t allowed in the sandbox. “It is dangerous,” they say. But I used to have a sandbox and it wasn’t dangerous. So I played in their sandbox anyways. But it wasn’t like my old one. I found the hand first. Then the rest of him. The head was missing.
R L Spencer says
. . . Scream
Rats squeaking woke me.
Checked myself again:
Broken step still through thigh.
Neck broken.
Paralyzed–a blessing: no pain.
Breathing; still no yelling.
Oh, something new:
rat chewing my nose.
Of course–soft tissue.
Nope. Eyeball softer.
Oh, tongue soft too.
Rat in mouth.
Ugh!
Neighbors might come if only I could . . .
Elizabeth Gist says
These Lovely Walls
I can’t contain the black bloodied whimpers crawling on the walls much longer. Their silencing laughter, their peaceful breaking of bones, and the lovely victims I hatch from the outside. Each soul tortured, gutted carefully, and splattered on the wall. To create a masterpiece, a place that I call…
Home.
R L Spencer says
Broken Bargain
“Gold’ll never run out!”
“Concccedesss.”
“No cheatin?”
“Wishesss granted, no able changesss.”
“Agreed?”
“Agreesss.” Snake undulates back.
Crutchfield’s hoe slices. Snake’s head rolls off.
. . . . .
“Sheriff! Bedroom!!!”
“Damn! Got a pulse?”
“Hell, I ain’t checkin!”
“Call the Coroner. And Vet!”
“Look’t his eyes!”
“He’ll be seeing all them snakes for eternity.”
R L Spencer says
Sensory Deprivation Tank–FREE Coupon
“Comfortable?”
“Better than I expected. What’s the bowl of fish for?”
“Goldfish nibble away dead skin.”
“Freaky.”
“Do you remember Marci?”
“No.” He did.
“My sister arranged this coupon.”
“Perhaps I’d–”
“Relax. She’s long forgiven you.”
Whirring of lid closing.
“Oh; other fish nibble living skin . . .”
Splash.
“. . . like Piranha.”
Lock.
Laura Gaona says
The Last Second
The bus is empty. I have hope in this new city; a new life for me awaits.
Yet I feel someone behind me, my curiosity turns me towards the reflection in the window.
Alas, it’s too late, it has a knife lodged in my throat. I know what happens next.
R L Spencer says
Things I Wish I’d Learned In School
I spotted duffle bag in seat.
Stencil reads:
SWEETWATER TX ROUNDUP.
Rodeo gear! Buckles? Guns? Cash?
Broke window. Snatched bag.
Heavy!
Drove to Ma’s trailer. Dropped bag on bed.
Tag reads: UTA DEPT
Foreigner!
HER . . . PET . . .whatever!
Cowgirl? Pet? Reward? Maybe more!
Unzipping bag:
What the hell’s a pet Ology?
Shanelle Clogston says
Don’t Pick Dare
“Truth or dare,” Lenny asked as the lightning flashed.
“Dare.”
Go outside, and don’t come back.”
“Where am I supposed to go?”
“Just don’t come back. That’s the dare, you have to do it.”
The next day, Tommy went back. Blood trailed out the back door and Lenny was gone.
Shanelle Clogston says
All for One Family
“Don’t be discouraged,” the mother said to her son. “You grow by eating the heart.”
“But mom! The heart is so fatty!”
“That’s because humans don’t eat like they used to.”
“But we’re human, and we aren’t like them.”
“That is why we’ll survive.”
Troy Jackson says
THE SAME DEEP WATER AS YOU
. . walking the seashore
She’d lost him before, in the 1700’s
Never again
.. into the Sargasso they went
The boy struggling against the brackish water
“Shhh my love”…
” You return ..evermore ”
Diving deeper into the undertow.. Her fangs extended, replacing fragility with immortality.. They swam the unlit depths together like piranha.
Erik Weidknecht says
Janie’s Crying
Alone in the den, I awaited her parent’s return. Janie was asleep in her room, when I spotted a pair of ghoulish eyes peering from the barn window. The monster shrieked in the darkness. I ran to empty sheets and cool curtains blowing in a broken window. The creature vanished.
Hannah Park says
The Doll
I knew she was looking at me. I could feel her eyes looking through by soul. I turned around, and there she was sitting with her legs crossed on the floor with a needle in her hand. She pieced the needle into her stomach and blood poured out of mine.
R L Spencer says
Wanker’s Surprise
Darby.
Darby!
What?
Turn on yer telly.
I’m busy, Mum.
Public Service. Some Egghead got a duffle stole outta his lorry.
Don’t give a buggering, Mum!
Listen!: Some wanker stole a zookeeper’s bag.
Jokes on him when he opens it.
‘Magine the wank’s mug, Darby.
Twas full o’two pythons!
Darby.
Darby . . . ?
Shanelle Clogston says
I Want to Break Free
I can’t breathe. I struggle as the scaly, slimy claws pull me further down into the murky waters. As I get pulled further down into the darkness, I suddenly see a light. This is my chance to break free. The light is near; I’m going to make it, I’m…
Shanelle Clogston says
Higher
“Let’s make a new rule,” Alice said as she positioned the arrow higher.
“We can’t,” Roger said.
“Fine, but next time I’m going to purposely miss.”
“You know that won’t work,” Roger sighed.
“I know,” Alice said. She closed one eye, then added, “Goodbye Roger,” and let the arrow fly.
Shanelle Clogston says
Listen to Learn
The injection made him empathize with whatever truth he heard. His punishment was to listen to her testimony. After hurting the girl he loved the most, he could feel what he did to her. He couldn’t take the headphones off. They were watching. He listened to the tape again.
Troy Jackson says
WHOA SPEED RACER WHOA
He – in between
…molecules
..fractals
Between time streams
The device
Had sped him up
Until
He was – as lightning
Quickened
And
Ordinary life
Was a museum
A statuette’s gallery
And daydreams
Oh well
He thought
Comforted in
knowing
Forever
.. everything else..
Was always also passing by
At the speed of Life
R L Spencer says
Intruder
Hide in my shower, curtain closed.
He’s wandering: bedroom, hall, . . . now bathroom.
Pisses, hitting seat and floor. Sniffs my perfumes.
Stops, faces shower.
My heart hammers, breath rasps; can he hear?
My putrid fear reeks; can he smell?
Pulls pantyhose off rod, sniffs, inhales.
Returns to my bedroom.
Bedsprings squeaking . . .
Johanna Walther says
Morbid Hobby
Rarely do I have as much fun as when I mummify people. The squelching and squirting sounds their organs make as I remove them are just lovely, and my joy when I slowly pull their brains out through their noses is complete. It’s a shame they stop screaming after that.
April Rhoden says
Picnic
Terrence laid out the picnic. He smiled at Keisha, she smiled back. He opened some champagne. When he looked up, she was gone, along with everyone else in the park. A shapeless form stood before him. It grinned. Its maw stretched open as it leaned forward. Everything went dark.
Hannah Park says
A noise
When Emily was sitting alone in the house, she heard a noise from outside. She looked carefully behind the curtains, but no one was there. She started to draw the curtains to the center when something smashed through the glass. The window broke and a human head rolled towards her.
Adrienne Hurgeton says
USA Motel-room 224
Day 1: BAM! Easy kill, small bug, behind microwave.
Day 3: Smashed four. Called reception…NOTHING. Can’t get to…five at once.
Day 5: I feel them inside. Gross! Lights off, don’t look!
Day 6: I’ll get them all. Scalpel in hand. Ok, ready. Lights on…OMG…you FIRST!
Adrienne Hurgeton says
Answering Machine
Stupid ghost tour. Angry vindictive spirits. Overpaid psychic’s frenzied running…smashing us apart.
Ryan bellowing…left behind.
Me mortified…alone at home.
Later, begging entrance…winning over…making love.
“Mine”, Ryan stated.
“Yours”, replied.
Ringing…late…unexpected.
Then, Ryan’s voice, “Pick up…Please”
Fowl, impossible breath in my ear, “MINE.”
Hannah Park says
The last sound they heard
It was a normal day until the shots rang high. The school was painted with blood and the smell of bodies left around. Silence spread around the school. Others ran for help only to greet the cement. And the only one left standing was the one who made the sound.
Jackson Wheeler says
The boy was home alone, with scratching being heard ever so faintly. Shivering, the boy left his warm, safe bed to investigate. Creeping out of his room ever so slowly, with only darkness awaiting him on the other side. The moment he submerged himself in the blackness, it took him.
Joe Mcgehee says
Almuerzo
My stomach cramped violently. My face clenched. I stared regretfully at the empty burrito wrapper strewn across the trashcan. The small open-office consisted of five desks and ONE shared restroom. Sweat trickled down as I cautiously staggered towards the door. Another upsetting thought bubbled up: the bathroom fan was broken
Kathleen Rossello says
Hahahaha… Scary, indeed!
Daisy Gates says
Everyone always tells me I shouldn’t trick or treat…I never listened. We walked along the sidewalk through crisp air and crunchy leaves, the night just beginning. Headlights hazily approached us as men in masks took my frightened friends. They left me behind, surrounded by candy wrappers and exhaust.
A. J. Bermudez says
EAT YOUR HEART OUT
“Sacrifice,” he says, “is the heart of salvation.”
She takes the first bite: a thick, gelatin-redolent, aching thing, slick with blood. A last rite, a final meal.
Her heart – the aforementioned sacrifice – thumps in his hand, overeager, not yet knowing it’s dead.
Lapping her own blood from his hand, she, too, believes.
Jeremy Meservy says
From Below
Hell broke loose when we discovered all the bodies at the cemetery were missing. My partner buried himself alive to bait the unsub, but when we dug him up after no one showed, he was gone too.
All we found were the words “FROM BELOW” scratched into the coffin’s lid.
Jeremy Meservy says
The Crawling
My son lay on the floor, open, emptied, quiet. And certainly not full of insects.
I could have sworn.
But there it is again! That crawling! I slowly, delicately reach up, feel the scurrying around in my eye, and smile.
So that’s where you’re hiding. Now where’d those scissors go?
Jeremy Meservy says
Mother
Nothing changed after mom died. Literally. The next morning, she made us breakfast like always.
I was relieved at first, until she started to smell.
Even as she decomposes, she tucks us in every night, kisses us, tells us she’ll see us tomorrow. And the next day. And the next.
Jeremy Meservy says
Infectious
“What’s under the trench coat? You here to sell me a watch or something?” I chuckled.
“I got a whale lice infection,” the man replied, “Like regular lice, but much bigger.”
My expression darkened.
“And yes,” he continued with a smile as he began to open the coat, “they’re contagious.”
Tanna.S says
“The Vile Pendant”
It was now I realize that the necklace was not loosening, I reach to pull the pendant, without any give! I start gasping for breath, and collapse to the ground, clutching the necklace. I feel my whole body begging for air. I shriek one last time, and slip into unconsciousness.
Hannah Park says
The blackout
It stood up and started to come towards me. I tried to get up, but my legs weren’t moving. It jumped up and started to tear my face apart. I screamed out in agony and everything went black. When I opened my eyes, I realized it was just a dream.
Rachel Zabel says
All day and all night I deal with the most revolting, disturbing monsters you could ever imagine. Decaying zombies, ravenous werewolves, eight legged demons, and foul witches. You name it, I’ve hunted it. Unfortunately, I have to work overtime tonight, but I don’t know why they’re all carrying hollow pumpkins.
Tanna says
“The Vile Pendant”
It was now I realize that the necklace was not loosening, I reach to pull the pendant, without any give! I start gasping for breath, and collapse to the ground, clutching the necklace. I feel my whole body begging for air. I shriek one last time, and slip into unconsciousness.
Alani Santamarina says
A LEGACY YOU CAN’T REMOVE
I killed my father for his crown, reveling in freedom from his constant quibbles. The crown sunk thorns into my skull, where they would forever stay, and suddenly his voice whispered within me, nagging beneath my skin, even as I try to rule, even as I try to sleep. Always.
Jeremy Meservy says
Life-Like
“Daddy, I want that one.”
I awake to see a little girl pointing at me enthusiastically. I can only stare back, unable to move.
“Ah, yes,” says a man next to her, as my heart starts beating faster, “We just got this one in stock! Our most life-like doll yet.”
Joe Mcgehee says
Playtime
I screamed. I know, because my chest burned as it emptied my entire breath. The vibrations ran through my strained vocal chords as I collapsed and folded over in the street. My eyes snapped shut in a desperate attempt to hold on to that final image. My boy…his ball…the car’s bumper.
Annika Duncan says
Trees
Branches swayed in the wind as leaves fell to the ground. The forest rang out with screams of agony, some guttural, some piercing. Days and nights went by without a pause in the unbearable screeches. The noises emanated from deep within the trees, pain trapped within, begging to be freed.
ToJo says
So we can keep posting stories until it hits 12 AM on October 26th 2019? Meaning the latest we can post is 11:59 PM of today, the 25?
J B says
TITLE: MOTHER
I am infertile, a fact that destroyed my marriage.
I always wanted to have children like my sister. She had four.
When she got pregnant again, I had her over to celebrate.
It wasn’t easy, cutting open her belly, but worth it.
Now I have a child of my own.
J B says
TITLE: THE CHAIR
I awoke to the smell of burnt hair and flesh. My vision, partially obscured by the hood, could see the leather straps that held me firmly to the chair.
“Let’s go again.” My executioner said.
I sighed and shook my head, cursing the world.
Third time’s a charm – I hope.
J B says
TITLE: PRINTS IN THE SNOW
I woke up to find a fresh powder of snow had fallen, and a track of prints leading up to my porch.
I found my front door was unlocked.
I think something’s here.
I live alone and am miles from civilization.
The weirdest and most frightening part? They’re only handprints.
Tooni says
Lucky Night
The sounds grew louder, and my grin grew wider.
Tap, tap, tap.
Those shoes were my favorite kind!
My heart really yearned for luck this time as my eyes locked in on my prize. As nimble as a monkey, my feet carried me onwards.
Score! The eyes stayed in, nice.
J B says
TITLE: THE INTRUDER
I heard a noise in the middle of the night. I’d had my house broken into before, so I grabbed my gun.
I saw a silhouette in the darkness coming towards me and I fired!
Bang!
The body fell… the body of my son, sneaking back in from a party.
Kain P. says
Monster under the Bed
“There’s a monster under the bed” my son tells me after I tuck him into his bed and head off to my bedroom.
I check under his bed.
“There’s no monsters under your bed. Go to sleep.”
But he shakes his head, “No, not under MY bed, under YOUR bed.”
Tooni says
Mother Knows Best?
Shivers scurried up my spine as I headed for the door.
PLONK!
My heart sank as the echoing sound accentuated the hollowness of the night. Instinctively, I looked to the left only to see—all bloodied and mangled, yet grinning—
“Mum?” I whispered.
Was that her heart coming for me?
Annika Duncan says
Thrice
Marie, Isabelle, and Catherine waited in the foyer for their names to be called for the trial.
“Marie”
She walked through the door. A scream. Quiet.
“Isabelle”
She shuffled through the door. A snap. Deafening silence.
“Catherine”
She inched inside the office, saw only a long shadow. Then total darkness.
Andrew says
The Hallway
The beams of the corridor, shined on her body in the hallway with the power of a sapphire moonlight. The eyes gouged, the nails ripped off. The scarlet liquid form of love oozed out and twinkled, soaking into the carpet. All illuminated by the ever so stunning, haunting glow.
J B says
TITLE: TRICK!
The doorbell rang and I answered it, seeing a little boy dressed as a zombie on my porch.
“Trick or treat!” He yelled, holding out his bag.
“Trick!” I replied.
Suddenly, the boys head rolled off his shoulders and down the steps.
Bag still open, I filled it with treats.
J B says
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.
Scott Ross Jr. says
I like this. It feels complete.
mikelly63@yahoo.com says
Dark Water
J B says
TITLE: THE BROADCAST
They stared into the static of the television because that’s what the broadcast told them to do. They stared at it for several hours, unable to take their eyes off it. They stared unblinking and entranced.
Eventually , the voice came back on and gave them a new command:
“Kill yourselves”.