psychological
Mind games taken way too far; explore the disturbing genre of psychological thrillers that make us question our perception of sanity and reality.
The Little Black Book
I had a dream last night that all of my teeth were gone, but someone was installing them back into my gums. So I could chew. So I could bite. It was fairly painful from what I remember in the dream. Tears ran down my soft pillow cheeks as this small man on a small ladder faced my mouth with all of my missing pieces, making me whole once again.
By Madelynne Buckelew5 years ago in Horror
The 'Soulskine' Journal
A black 'Moleskine' book. That’s all it was. Every household has one and is usually filled with doodles or sketches, poems or paragraphs, to-do lists or minutes of meetings. When James Ackerman found this one on a pile of freshly fallen leaves it didn't look any different to the one he keeps tucked away neatly in his nightstand, forgotten along with his stash of self-help books, half read and gathering dust. What a coincidence he told himself that his eyes should fall on this little treasure as he wandered under the thick veil of horse chestnut trees that bordered the local park. It was that time of year as Autumn was in full swing, the once lush green leaves started to show weary signs of speckled brown. Conkers littered the ground and the sight of them pulled James into a not too distant past when he would scour this very same park for the fattest ammunition to destroy the competition in the traditional conker at school. His eyes were drawn to the ground through this instinct ingrained in him from childhood. He picked up the small book, dusted it and gave it a quick once over. The leather was pristine, the elastic that kept it closed was still springy, but most surprisingly the pages were still dry despite laying on the slightly sodden earth so typical of the late British Autumn. The book must not have been there long, maybe the owner wasn’t far gone? James scoured the pathways that snaked through the trees. No movement. He decided to keep walking, there was a bench up ahead through the clearing just off the large cast iron gates of the south entrance to the park, his favourite spot. The perfect place to dissect this rare find. He plodded on fixated on the ground beneath his feet.
By Cameron waddelow5 years ago in Horror
The Sabbath
We walk in straight lines, unbroken and focused, into the forest, into my eternal fate. The trees dance in the moonlight taunting me, rejoicing in my misery. The wind nips at my exposed feet and slips between the opening of my cloak leaving frozen kisses on my arms and down my legs. As we walk deeper into the forest, my body steadily grows weak and numb. My feet are covered in cuts from the exposed branches and fallen twigs. The dirt clings to my skin, refusing to let me go further. Our leader, my mother, walks in front of me oblivious to my dread and I so desperately wish that she would turn around and tell me I don’t have to go through with this, but I know that is not who she is. It is not who we are.
By Jalyn Nwogu5 years ago in Horror
Softwood Hollow
The clash came on sudden, like a summer storm. It was short and fierce - horses neighing wildly, sabers clanging, shot and smoke. When it was over, mostly blue-clad dead littered the field. The few fallen gray speckled amongst them like grains of salt dissolving in water. The remnants of the small Union detachment fled; the two companies of partisan rangers did not pursue, turning their attention to the stores in the liberated rail depot and the personal treasures of the fallen. A detail set about bayoneting the grievously wounded, this on the orders of the commanding officer, Captain Reginald Carney.
By Mason Stone5 years ago in Horror
A Shortcut to Money, Beauty and Fame
Desperation can make us do unimaginable things. This is what brought Rosie here, laid off, single, pushing forty, stepping off an hour-long bus ride into an affluent neighborhood. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t look like it would carry sinister secrets in alleyways, one with only posh cafes and fast-walking designer heels gracing the sidewalks. Her discounted coat from two seasons ago is screaming she’s an imposter. She knows she doesn't belong here—not yet, at least.
By Katey Taylor5 years ago in Horror
Giving In
The light was so bright, and for a moment she thought “Death shouldn’t be so blinding.” Then she blinked, in bed and very much alive while the dawning sky rose outside her window. Today was the day practice test scores were released. With the real Step 2 exam being so close your practice score was practically your exam score which more or less dictated your future as a doctor. Daela looked at the alarm clock and bolted up right. 7:30 glared menacingly back at her with its red face. She was late typically She and Rebecca were already on their way to school by this time.
By Jessie Long5 years ago in Horror
Bait
A man tied his shoes. The sky was bright. Cloudless with only a beaming sun shining down. The path before him swiveled for miles between trees of all varieties. He began to jog through the path. The occasional stone catching his eye. A few minutes later, a fallen tree blocked the path. The music in his ears driving him as he jogged faded for a moment as he climbed over the decaying beech tree in his path. He continued to run, no jog. At a steady pace, at a steady speed along the dirt path swirling like a maze.
By Joshua Curnew5 years ago in Horror
