nightshift-cup-of-coffin

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Mandy in Dreamland

Mandy's Adventure pt.2

Opening her eyes, thunder shot through Mandy’s skull. She lay motionless. The sea silent beneath the boards, the vendor's shop stood orange, bright. Too bright, to keep her eyes on in the growing dark.

She squinted against the light. She tried to roll her weight onto her shoulder. She had to get up.

.🌸

.🌸

.🍃

*Snap*

*Pop*

Again thunder rang in Mandy’s head. 

For a moment she thought she had fallen into the endless sea, she felt frigid, damp. 

Always she returned to her cozy bed after the night festivals on Halloween. All floated as a beautiful dream. Never had it been so painful within this space. 

A roaring fire popped, sparks fell just short of her arm. Raising her head there was empty space all around. The glow of the fire illuminated nothing, not even her legs stretched out infront of her. 

Pushing hard on the ground beneath her a sharp pain cut through her wrists. She winced but pushed herself to her feet all the same. Observing what she could of herself she appeared slathered in mud, still damp, her clothes clinging to each angle of her frame. Her hair clumped about her face. She crouched trying to warm herself by the fire, it did little combat the damp. 

“Hello?” Mandy ventured into the air, she meant to yell but it came out small. 

A roaring sound came barreling forward.

Trees and long grass sprouted around Mandy, all at once.

“We have brought you here as a light. You will help us restore some of our lost. Stay enjoy.” the voice seemed to come from every where at once. It bounced between the trees, rattled the leaves from above. 

“I do not understand. Help me get home.” Mandy yelled, but unlike the voice before, her’s fell dead as it hit the forest. 

Moments passed, there was no response. A deafening silence grew in this place. A light breeze broke its oppression every once in awhile. Mandy felt a pinch on her back. Turning she shuffled backwards.

A creature with large eyes, sharp teeth, long thin arms clung to her shirt. Mandy traced the arms back to the rest of the creature, its body was furry and slick. Mandy frantically looked around for something to use as a weapon. She whipped a red hot stick into the side of the creature. 

The stick sank into the creature. More called from the woods grabbing onto Mandy. In the dark and damp she was swallowed. The creatures stood tall above her. 

Her legs were wobbling, they had failed her so completely. Creatures came then. 

Some came in packs. So came on their own, nervous, even unsure. These creatures in all their forms, took sections and bites of her mid section. Small monsters who were pushed out of the way settled to take vicious, tearing bites at her legs. 

It seemed like an endless parade, Mandy was the buffet. At times unconsciousness tugged at her, exhausted, she would rest. No hungry monster remained when she woke. Some times she would see a few retreating into the forest. A cup of tea and a freshly fed fire met her each waking. The tea kept the pain at bay, the bleeding and quivering muscles stopped.

After what felt like days, Mandy managed to stand firmly on her feet. The time here was imperceptible, the sky was always gray or a deep blue. She feel unconscious more and more lately. 

This opportunity, a moment of real strength, Mandy broke into a full run. Mandy ran through the woods, she used trees to push herself forward. She desperately burst past every tree; eyes wide, searching for any light, anything new. In the distance a light grew. Mandy picked up her speed. 

🌲🌲

🌲🌲

🌲

She collapsed heavy into the outline of her body as it had laid in front of the fire moments earlier. 

This is how much of her days progressed, if one could track time here. 

 As shreds of her strength returned she would burst through the woods searching. 

Her breath grew ragged after a time. Her lips dry. Frozen to the bone, the fire no longer held any advantage for her. Today she ran toward the dark. She collapsed on the forest floor in the dark, the fire light nowhere to be seen.

A light appeared before her. Mandy let out a whimper. 

She had failed again.

A warm hand touched her cheek. Raising her head she saw only the foggiest outline of a creature. A soft voice broke the silence. “You will fade here. No one will save you. Nothing will leave, nothing left of you. You will be nothing. You must leave.”

“How?” Mandy opened her mouth, sure nothing came out.

“Shh prove that you live. That you do not belong. The eve draws near, now or fade.” 

Again Mandy lay in the dark and cold. She mulled over those words, repeating them again and again in her mind. She made her way back to the fire. How does one prove they are alive? They are physical? I am alive, right?

Many nights after, she burnt her hand upon the fire trying to wake from her dream. The burns left scars but nothing woke her. Mulling over the ends of dreams a horrifying idea bloomed. 

Mandy wiped the sweat from her brow. The motion caused a waiver in her balance. She grabbed the branch beneath her for support. Falling, falling will do the trick. With a last deep breath that caught in her throat she stepped off the branch. Even in the dark the forest floor raced at her. She hit with a deafening thud, everything within her burst with pain. 

She tried to get up or even move. A warm thread surprised her. Touching her forehead she felt blood. Soon the thread became a river. 

The forest floor opened up and swallowed her. Lightning struck her chest, she gasped in fresh air. Real fresh air!

It was too much at first her world began to spin. 

She vomited what little could have ever been in her stomach after so long. Her broken bones and shattered limbs felt a minor pain. It was the pain one felt after running a mile, when one does not normally do so. 

Looking up she knew she was back. She was even near her home. Again she took a deep breath and it burned

#short story #writers on tumblr #writing #horror #halloween #spooky #horror stories #spooky stories #all hallows eve #anthology #female #festival #fairy art #fairy aesthetic #fairy tail #it lives in the woods #bloodbath #gore #dark #alone together #hope this helps #anyway enjoy

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Mandy's Adventure

Mandy collapsed heavily in the pile of sleeping bags and blankets piled on Dexter’s floor. Dexter retired moments earlier. Lynn and Princess shared a blanket on the air mattress but a mountain of pillows separated them as they snored. 

Everyone had slowly slipped off the couch earlier. Annie fell asleep taking up the whole thing hours ago. Mandy tried to keep her eyes open till the roommate retired to their room but it was too hard. 

The night festival waited. It was something she attend every year. Her waking self saw it as a pleasant dream, but soon she would find she had been very wrong.

The lights lit up the darkness, small read dots as far as the eye could see. Lighting up in a wave in front of her. In a puddle she saw a new face. 

Every year it was something new. She smiled and lit up with the electricity, festive elation filling the air. She walked around trying treats, playing games. A few passing spirits resembling cats shared jokes. 

A feeling that was entirely new hit her. As if someone had threaded a string through her belly button and gave it a rough tug. Mandy followed it.

At the end of the pier she found a familiar face. With joy and some confusion she met them, she dragged them through the festival exploring. Much like a child shows their parent something they found. Through new eyes she enjoyed them all new again. 

As the night came to a close shops began to put out their lights. Mandy dragged her guest through the streets, over the rattling wooden boards to the end of the pier. As they both stood at the edge looking down into the water a path made itself clear. As she released her guests arm she felt that sting. 

This time it was a harpoon through the chest that dragged her down toward the quickly disappearing lights. She watched her guest disappear into the fog. She pulled against the force to join her fleeting friend.

The pain in her stomach gripped. Turning on her heel she bolted in the direction she felt the invisible rope pull. Perhaps an investigation would rest the force.

Past flickering lights. Past merry patrons disappearing into the water. Masks disappeared, beneath them faded faces and monstrous creatures. Mandy turned to ignore the rope knowing she had to get back. The moment she took a step the pain in her chest began to burn. No longer was it a pull but a crushing fire.

One of the few vender’s still open walked up to her. They wore a jolly mask, a wide smile, sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks stood at her side. 

In a voice as sweet as honey they spoke “You look troubled little one. Here drink this it will warm you up. Do you have somewhere to be? Are you lost?” They held out a warm cup. It filled Mandy’s eyes with tears smelling of cinnamon and cider. She had not realized how cold she felt till she took it in her hands. 

A deep sip slide the harpoon from her chest. Another sip released the rope.

#short story #writers on tumblr #halloween #horror #spooky stories #writing #anthology #horror stories #spooky #all hallows eve #lanternslight #festival #ghostcore #cat #tragedy

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Finding Mandy pt. 2

Cradling her stomach she wiped her mouth on her sleeve. I rushed to her side, my feet moving before my mind caught up. 

Mandy turned my face from me, shoving me away. “Get away. I’m fine. I don’t have any money or a wallet.”

Before I could think I spilled the entirety of the last few months to her. I wrapped my hands gingerly under her elbows lifting her from the bench. My words moved faster than I’m sure she could even process. 

Her clothes were soaked to the bone as if she spent hours in a pond before crawling to the bench she now sat on. I ushered her into my passenger seat where she collapsed heavily. She sat wading in and out of consciousness still cradling her stomach. I woke her as I parked in my parking garage. She opened her eyes looking up at me. Her eyes were surrounded by huge purple bags, they looked bloodshot, dry and yet tears began to form.

 I held her hand loosely as we ascended the steps to my apartment. 

She collapsed on my couch, heavy and damp. 

She held a pillow close as she curled falling asleep. I left her dry clothes and covered her with a blanket. Slinking to the bathroom I stared down at my hands covered in wet mud. I got ready for bed, the process felt mechanical. My mind was far way.

Laying in the dark I couldn’t sleep. Should I tell everyone now that she is back home? Had I mistaken the flash? For all I knew I had led a street stranger right to my apartment!

For only a moment I slept, like a blink before the sun stung my eyes. Coffee rose strongly through the apartment. I bolted from bed. Mandy stood heavily on the counter, staring endlessly into her mug. The scene almost made me chuckle. 

Standing in my bright kitchen stood a sludge covered ghoul wearing my Hello Kitty and Friends long sleeve shirt and Power Puff Girls PJ pants. 

She raised her head smiling softly “Thank you, I have not been cozy for a long time. I hope you don’t mind that I made a pot. Have a cup would you like to talk or I could leave.” She gestured to a mug on the counter. 

Her voice was strained as if she had not talked for ages or perhaps screamed for just as long.

I chuckled against my best effort. Mandy’s eyes grew wide and her smile fell. “Thank you for your hospitality.” I gave her a smile which she returned. “Where are your old clothes?”

Mandy poured my coffee stopping when I raised my hand. “I threw them out, sorry but I’ll wash and return these.” She tugged at the pants. 

“Don’t worry about it. You can shower too if you want, later…after coffee.” I took a long sip of my coffee ignoring the heat. “So what happened to you Mandy?”

A long moment I wasn’t sure she heard me. She didn’t acknowledge it. Lifting one hand she traced something across her forehead with much thought. “There was only one way to get back.” She lifted her head tucking hair behind her ear. A large pink scare soft and thin traced her hair line,  down to the crook of her ear. 

She looked at me expectantly, for what I couldn’t guess. “Does it hurt?” I said hoping that was it. 

She smiled back sweetly. 

#short story #writers on tumblr #writing #horror #halloween #spooky #horror stories #spooky stories #all hallows eve #anthology #experimental #dead or alive #ghostcore #ghosts #ectoplasm #sludge #female #sweet #swamp monster

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Mandy Found pt.1

It had been months, months of looking. 

The internet a frenzy with false leads. Myself and the gang finally all met. In a way it was as if we had always known each other and yet everything was new. 

They had given me information; hearing it again, seeing their faces scrunched with worry, made it very real. We spent the night walking around town telling new stories between each other as we searched places Mandy might be.

Places they had checked time and time again. Places we knew she didn't occupy.

At parting, friendly goodbyes spread but I knew it was bittersweet acquaintances at best. On my way home the sun sunk to a beautiful hue beneath the horizon. The city lights sparked to life as I neared my apartment. Out of chance I hit every red light in town. A curse, but the night air kept my temper away. I stared deep into the night as the endless lights drew my journey ever longer. 

A flash drew my attention next to me. I normally would ignore it for people often clown around on the streets of the city after dark. At that moment it had struck me how quiet and empty the city felt. The flash was an anomaly among the scene. 

I froze even as the light before me turned green. Looking up from the bench on the other side of the sidewalk was a familiar face. I had not met it with my eyes own before but I had seen it in the numerous photos as of recent months. 

Hunched over she met my eye for only a moment before retching dark sludge upon the sidewalk between us. 

#writing #writer #short story #horror stories #short #Scary SHORT #spooky #Spooky Stories #spooky stuff #anthology #Halloween #Happy Halloween #all hallows eve #writers on tumblr

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

I Saw the Eyes Again

The air nipped at my ankles. I hate these pants, I need to do laundry when I get home. This week has been long. Only a few more hours before the soft blankets at home open to swallow me up as the sun rises. 

Just this bag of trash. The fresh air did me good, I would have to admit that. No grease smell lingered in the air. The freshness took me away for a moment, a long moment. Movies played in the back of my mind every shift but in the moment of fresh damp morning air my mind cleared. 

Over all too soon as a putrid sweetness creeped closer. One last trash bag and then I can read some of my book. 

The click of the lid made me jump, I was unready for the wind to take it from my hand. The loud bang rattled something loose, I heard it roll down the sidewalk behind me. Tossing the trash bag in the dumpster I looked around half hatred for what I could only assume was a lost wheel. I found nothing so I made a leisurely circle around the dumpster. Something crunched under my feet. 

I flipped the lid of the dumpster back the correct way and checked the bottom of my shoe. It felt like I had stepped in an old burrito. It gave with great sogginess but a few very firm parts protested against my heel. My heel was definitely wet but nothing stuck. Nothing was left in my path either. 

I stepped back now very worried I may have stepped on a frog out for his moist pre sunrise hop. I leaned down to really look around. 

*Rrrr Reeeeeee* 

*Scrape*

*Scrape* 

Something began…well writhing, I guess…underneath the dumpster. It sounded like a brillo pad being dragged across the bottom, peppered with sharp claws against the asphalt. I quickly backed up nearly in the street. No way was I getting close to that big of a racoon. That being said, I was rather curious. 

I bent down as something large and black wiggled beneath the dumpster. It stopped as I stopped. Giant orange pools burst open beneath within the darkness. They tugged at me. Fear burst throughout my body, I nearly collapsed. My feet glued to the spot, sweat boiled out of every pore. 

The eyes grew wide and began to glow. Black beads appeared at their centers, they gently grew. Small black needles reached their way out from under the dumpster. Unbending the needles curled around the edges of the dumpster pulling it away from me. The dumpster gave a great protest as it rolled backwards.

The sound woke whatever jelly my legs had become. I bolted for the door. Behind me I heard the dumpster still straining. I took a large breath as I breached the front doors.

Dexter sat behind the register, bent over a box. Calm took over him but it was a calm of disbelief. A calm one cultivates trying to stave off insanity. Only in the comfort of his own bed did his heart finally stop pounding. 

#writer #writers on tumblr #horror #ghost #creature #monster #happy halloween #spooky #scary #short story #experimental #dark aesthetic

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

The Stone Came Back

Two weeks of 12 hour shifts, classes, training, support. My arms burned as I pulled on the last sweatshirt I had in my closet.

Dexter stuck his hands deep in his pockets leaning back on his heels. “Princess, you know if you just want to chill today we can do that too. You could do laundry dude.” Dexter snickered toeing at the pile of laundry next to my bed. 

“Nah, Annie is coming over to do laundry tomorrow so we’ll make a day out of it.” I slid my hands comfortably into my sweatshirt as I followed Dexter out of the door. Flicking my hood up, something  hit my skull. When I pulled my hood back down the cool round sphere fell down my back. 

Naturally I freaked out. It could have been a bug, a mouse! How often do I clean out my closet to check. When Was the last time I wore this sweatshirt!?

I tore it off hearing small threads in the arms snap. Flinging it over my head I turned around wildly. The only thing left in the sweatshirt was the name ‘Meteo’ faded on the tag. No mouse. Looking about my feet a stone lay. I don’t remember where it came from. Energy radiated from it. It felt smooth, cool. A glittering blue twinkled in the light. 

“You alright man?” Dexter called from the kitchen. 

“Yeah” I called back, unable to take my eyes from my hand. At my voice the stone began to vibrate and it liquified into my hand. Panic rose as I ripped up my sleeve. 

“Where did it go!” 

Looking back it was one of the scariest moments I've had and sometimes I question if it is real. As the years passed I realized it was the day my muscles recovered faster than ever. The day I was promoted to something worth my work. 

But such things are only coincidence. The mind finds moments it remembers to mark changes.

#Scary SHORT #scary #nonbinary #good character #continuity #short story #writers on tumblr #anthology #masculine #femme #horror #horror stories #short #ghosts #Aliens #spooky #Spooky Stories

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

The Tree House

Kids would claim it was haunted, songs rhyming about dead little children used to scare new kids on the block like me.

The older kids would dare one another to climb the ladder, others would use it to kiss girls in.

My family moved around a lot. In this small town I spent many years. It was about a decade before we moved to that house at the end of the block.

People stopped talking to me as they passed by my house. I kept telling them that the house was new and not so different from the ones they had spent so many sleepovers in. The following question of the treehouse still sitting, a black cloud out my bedroom window caused me pause.

Three years in the house; I found myself curling my fingers around the first rung nailed snug into the tree. My breath caught as I stared up at the dark square I climbed towards.

I pulled her hand lightly bringer her right next to me.

For so many years the tree house seemed so large and menacing. As I sat inside with her now It seemed bright, sunlight poured through the windows. Dirt and cobwebs spreadover the walls but it was cozy. Toys and crayons aged with sun and decades discarded to its corners.

“Mateo”

Her warm hand against mine held all my attention now. A soft kiss, not my first but the only one i will ever consider to matter from those days.

Something cold and damp slid across my hand. Looking down, she screamed. Her shriek was sharp and short.

In a moment the treehouse was dark. As a wave the cold liquid, the living oil slick receded into the corner opposite her and I. I reached out to grab her, pull her to me.

It was only me.

The horror grew. I needed to find her. "Bring her back!" I yelled but my voice, my vision, everything consumed by a thick pulsing blackness.

I shouted till my tonsils hurt.

“Give her back”

“Let her go”

“Get away from me”

“Stay back”

In response I was consumed. Nothing but the thought of saving her and myself as the black consumes my every move. Like a great immovable wet towel laying over me. I struggled to find her, find an exit.

The light stung my eyes. My wrist felt swollen.

“Niño, I told you not to play in the tree house till we get it fixed.” My mom looked the way moms look when they are worried but trying to be stern. The wrap pulled tight around my wrist brought pain. Far from this sat my mind. What happened to her?

I saw her, smiling, laughing, taking a glace toward me.

As I waved, she looked confused. A cautionary glace behind her, she turned back and shrugged at me.

Never again did she call my name. Never did another kiss we share. Never had we met almost.

Never again did my hand meet that first board nailed tightly to the tree.

#treehouse #spooky #horror #storytelling #anthology #happy halloweeeeeeen #experimental #writers on tumblr #short story #halloween #writing #nonbinary #lgbtq poc #horror stories

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

We are back

Headphones advised

#multimedia #storytelling #horror #experimental #story time #spooky #visual storytelling #pumpkin #happy halloweeeeeeen #fiction #anthology

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Thank you

Thank you for reading

Thank you for following

I have taken a break and will continue one

I can't thank you enough for sticking with me and joining the gang in their adventures

Thank you

I will return hopefully better and scarier than ever

Till then goodnight and spooky dreams

#short story #writers on tumblr #writing #spooky #thank u #sleep well #cute #sweet #follower appretiation post #taking a break

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

#short story #writers on tumblr #writing #halloween #horror #spooky stories #nightmare time #story in progress #horror stories #spooky

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Halloween Night 🎃 In the Dark

Sleep lay thick over the house. All the fun, the frivolity had left a safe and comfortable air. The TV still playing some of the worst horror movies to ever become classics, politely turned down as the roommate made their way up stairs.

The smell of food and beer still lingered in their nose as they scaled the stairs. A last look at the pumpkin monster that had taken so long to paint before it was watched down the drain. A small shiver ran down the roommate's spine as they crawled into bed. Everyone looked so blissful, so a deep breath should result in the same comfort, so a deep breath they took.

The feeling of sinking came as they drifted off to sleep.

💭

💭

💤

🍂

The fall air lingered a sweet chill. A dark room, your own, opened at its far wall. A long path of brick lined in trees, leaves fell in a consistent twirl. As the roommate took their first few steps the leaves crumbled satisfyingly under toe. The smell of apples played on the nose the further one walked.

A figure stood waiting at a large tree in the path. Hands held firmly behind their back, the person rocked back and forth on the toes, face turned to the tree tops.

"What are you doing here?" The person asked.

"Who are you?" The roommate replied.

"I suppose I look different here, though you couldn't be here unless you could see. Only for a moment but I prefer a different face in this place." The person waved their hand in front of their face, Mandy's face flashed for a moment.

"The ghoul from the party? What is happening?"

"I will take you with me tonight and return you safely, you will see." Mandy took the roommates hand, pulling them along the path. In an instant a burst of light too bright to see, the brick path turned into a brick courtyard, a carnival, an elegant street event. It seemed contradictory, everything at once; loud, inviting, but somber and sweet.

Mandy handed the roommate a mask, a pumpkin, must the one they painted earlier. Mandy pointed to her nose, as the roommate put on their mask Mandy's face shifted into a rotten ghouls'.

Mandy grabbed the roommates hand. Not one throughout the night did she let go. Mandy passed food, toys, costume pieces to the roommate throughout the night. They both stopped to listen to several street performers, a few people stopped to say hello. A few only said hello to the roommate, voices that jogged foggy memories almost forgotten.

A few candles began to go out. A few stands closed themselves up, a few lights came down. At first. Not shortly after the event had fewer people and the lampposts began to flicker.

"It is time to go, I told you I would get you back safely." Mandy nearly extended the roommates elbow as they both ran back the way they came. She took of your mask "keep going down this way. I'll try to make it back but I have something to do. Keep the others calm, though it might be a second."

Mandy ran off towards the dying light.

The morning sun was a unwelcome alarm clock. Five more minutes, the roommate determinedly rolled over.

#short story #writers on tumblr #horror #spooky #writing #spooky stories #halloween #story in progress #horror stories #nightmare time

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Halloween Night🎃 You

Canceled plans was never really a bother, replacing them with a small mellow evening would be okay, right. Dexter was a more or less quiet and considerate roommate, his friend Princess helped clean up whenever they left; how ruffian could the people coming over be?

The paint stuck to the brush but too much water would make it run. Waiting till the last minute to think of a costume always happened no matter the amount of conceptualizing. The orange was being exceptionally difficult but the costume came together just in time for Princess to arrive. It took a moment for a real conversation to be struck, the movies playing in the background didn’t lend themselves to making conversation. 

Thank the gods Dexter mentioned tiktok. It wasn't where much free time was spent, but enough. Talking about people’s stupidity or pop culture came easy with enthusiasm. Within a blink black and white paint depicted a skeleton, easily made with Princess’s strong cheekbones. 

Jumping, turning to see a small cheerful person wearing deely boppers bursting into the apartment made a cautionary smile. She was cute, so a blush ran across your face for a moment. As Annie ran upstairs the thought of dirty laundry and an unmade bed crossed the mind. An alien returned to rummage through the fridge. 

The doorbell rang, exchanging looks with Dexter, he would get it. A ghost came through carrying cookies that smelled like cinnamon. A brief hello was exchanged, the ghost’s eyes grew wide as a warm grin was given, it was returned though anxiety sweat was felt. Dexter took only a moment to whisk her away to the fridge. 

The ghost was soon followed by Medusa. Her snakes were as bouncy as the banter between herself and the skeleton. ‘Lynn’ you repeated back when she introduced herself politely, though the plastic snakes kept your attention. Lynn kindly declined help carrying something into the kitchen. When she opened it a smell burst out confirming it was pickled but the smell dissipated against the other food. 

Peeking around the kitchen doorway a shadow enveloped the ghoul standing in front of the fridge. Despite the blissful air throughout the house something sticky, black, large clung to the back of the ghoul. ‘Mandy, right?’ the intention to speak wasn't necessarily put together before it happened. 

“Yeah. Did you want me to grab you something?” She smiled, grabbing the fridge handle.

A paused moment of panic “no, no. I...ugh... forgot I had a beer open.” 

The black mass moved with her hovering over her shoulders. A good shake of the head would be a reminder to ignore it, a certainty it was real. Lynn walked by politely excusing herself, the small keychain in her bag had a fake flame lit in the middle, how cool. For a moment how one would change the batteries was pondered. 

Mindlessly seeing to furniture, games, and things around the house occupied until…

“Hey dude, if you wanna go hide, that’s totally cool.”

Dexter issued a sweet, well meant challenge. The cute alien was fiddling, hard at thought about the movies being played for the night. ‘This’ you thought ‘this I could have much opinion on’. 

The ghoul and Medusa sat down on the floor. The jokes were funny. They were hard to focus on when the two began messing with the Ouija board, a plastic, mass produced, toy. Focus shifted from between the hilarious conversation to the blob hanging on the ghoul. It became dense, slimy and yet had pointed shards that pulsated when she talked. 

A sigh of relief was let out when everyone actually situated for the movie marathon. The black shape took on a long thick appearance when the ghoul moved to the couch. Annie looked exhausted, it must have been the reason a slim tendril reached from the back of shape to touch the top of her head. In an attempt to get her attention your unopened water bottle was tossed, it was enough the tendril retreated. 

The night went on with little movement from the shape and really anyone else. Sleeping bags were made up around 2 am. About the time everyone fell asleep you climbed the stairs, they seemed too stretch on. 

A final look back at a wonderful night had Medusa slept with a large body pillow, ‘where did that come from’ floated within a drowsy mind. The black shape that had shrunk during the night, grew large, a massive shroud over the ghoul. The appearance of her peacefully sleeping, made it okay to go to bed.

#short story #writers on tumblr #horror #writing #spooky stories #spooky #halloween #nightmare time #horror stories #story in progress

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Halloween Night 🎃 Dexter

Dexter had asked his roommate to have a party, mentioning it will be low key and throwing in that his roommate had prior plans anyway.  

“Actually, my plans got canceled. A pipe burst at their place.”

Dexter took a moment, “Did you wanna join us instead?”

His roommate shrugged ‘sure’, with a smile. Dexter text everyone invites three days before Halloween. Dexter encouraged costumes though he knew it was a long shot.

Princess came over before it was even dark. Their house was within walking distance, Princess was a regular at Dexter’s house. It didn’t take long for them to bust out all the halloween decorations and plastic party dinnerware. The silence was palpable as the three began to set up. Princess had only met the roommate in brief passing. Dexter mentioned the tiktok his roommate had shared,  it had broken the ice. Laughter filled the silence. Next thing Dexter knew Princess had asked his roommate to paint their face so it matched their skeleton sweater. 

Annie didn’t ring the doorbell, she busted into the house with authority that immediately turned to sweet ‘hello’s and asking nicely where she can put the popcorn she brought. She whispered in Dexter’s ear when they hugged. “Where can I get changed? I couldn't wear my costume during an exam today. I’m distracting.” She made large gestures with her arm. 

“You’re somethin’. Upstairs,  second door past the hallway, my room, use that. Have you met my roommate?” Dexter introduced the two, they shook hands, before Annie ran upstairs. 

Dexter opened the door for Mandy, taking her plate. He started talking to her about her costume being very similar to her regular clothes, giving her business about how she is a ghoul everyday (pun intended). Mandy made a few comments back and chuckled. The introduction to his roommate was awkward but nice all the same. He planted her in front of the refrigerator, it would cool her down and give her a minute. 

Dexter let in Lynn, one of the fake snakes in her hair hit him on the nose on her way by. Dexter squeezed behind Lynn and Princess, laughing at the sheer amount of sass boiling in their conversation. 

He walked by his roommate tapping them on the shoulder, “you alright dude? If you go hide, it’s totally cool.”

His roommate gave him a reassuring smile and almost out of spite went to talk to Annie. Dexter was relieved.

He laughed when Mandy and Lynn sat down to play boardgames, they tried to get everyone to join in. It was a half hearted invitation but they made everyone laugh while playing all the same.

“Princess doesn’t play non inclusive games, monopoly is owned by an old white guy.”

“Oh, that rules out Annie too.”

“No, no, punks play monopoly but only sarcastically, like as a spoof.” Mandy said spoof in a goofy superficial voice, with a stoned, matter of fact expression that sent Lynn into fits of laughter. Annie nudged Mandy playfully with her foot. 

When Mandy and Lynn found the Ouija board their antics took on a new morbid note, entertaining the whole party. 

“Alright, alright. I know we’ve had horror trash playing in the background, how about we start the real marathon?!” Dexter tipped his hat. There was a resounding cheer, even his roommate joined in. 

The night grew long, everyone was close, everyone enjoyed themselves, everyone felt comfortable. It was a perfect intimate get together, a comfortable fun Halloween night. 

#all hallows eve #short story #writers on tumblr #horror #writing #halloween #spooky #spooky stories #nightmare time #story in progress #horror stories

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Halloween Night 🎃 Lynn

Lynn tapped Annie on the back grabbing the bottle of wine from the table. “I heard you're sober tonight? Did you need any help studying this week?”

Annie shook her head, handing Lynn a cup. 

“Friday the 13th before Nightmare on Elm Street” Lynn corrected taping the stack of movies, to which both Dexter's roommate and Annie gave a fake outraged gasp. 

Lynn sat on the floor in front of the tv and began eating off Mandy’s plate. “Are you gonna have any of the dumplings? They’re vegetarian.” 

“Whoa really?! In such a case of course, your Bachan did spend time making them.” Mandy replied, sliding her plate closer to Lynn. 

Lynn looked at Dexter and his roommate, “You guys have a Quija board? Isn’t that kind of on the nose for Halloween?”

Dexter shrugged and his roommate blushed. Mandy sat back down with a thump “Come on it’s as classic as these movies. Play with..uh..do the thing…” Mandy made wild triangle gestures for a moment till Lynn’s eyes widened with recognition. Dexter laughed, dimming the lights about the time everyone had a drink and food. Movies began. Lynn and Mandy were asking questions about the movies, making jokes on the Ouija board. They took turns laughing and sending dead loved ones messages with the plastic dial.

Lynn got up to get more food before squeezing herself at the end of the couch. Princess jostled Annie over to make room.  

The night drew on in the dark but not a moment went by where a comfortable enjoyment could not be felt. 

#short story #writers on tumblr #horror #spooky #halloween #writing #nightmare time #spooky stories #horror stories #story in progress

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Halloween Night 🎃 Princess

Princess arrived before everyone else. Dexter had roped them into helping set up. Though they hated to admit, walking over to Dexter's place at night was eerie; so arriving before the sunset took little convincing. Princess took over decorating, delegating and planning while nibbling on the pizza.

Dexter introduced his roommate when they came back from work. It took about two seconds for Princess and them to get along. Dexter vaguely mentioned a tiktok and both started reenacting, sharing and cracking up as the house donned its halloween costume. 

After everyone began to arrive, Princess matched Dexter in acting as a gracious host. It became so obvious how much time they really did spend together. 

Princess brought out board games as Lynn was coming through the door. The two nearly collided. "Hmmm your O Bachan made too much again?"

Lynn played offended for a moment "How dare you, I worked hard on these side dishes."

Princess played along sarcastically "I can't believe you had a moment to spare to stop at the store, poor overworked Lynn." 

Lynn responded by tipping the corner of the boxes in Princess's hand, a half hearted attempt to disarm them. 

Princess passed the games to Dexter's roommate. Princess lit candles and turned on spooky decorative lighting, dimming the lights in the apartment. Dexter took the cue as a start to movies.

Princess sat next to Annie wrapping their arm around the back of the couch, resting their hand behind Mandy. Princess hoped the contact was enough to keep her anxiety down. 

The movies began to roll, the night grew late. 

Laughs, games, jump scares and bottles filled Halloween night. 

#short story #writers on tumblr #halloween #horror #spooky #writing #story in progress #spooky stories #horror stories #nightmare time #all hallows eve #happy halloweeeeeeen #human skeleton

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Halloween Night 🎃 Annie

Annie slapped Mandy as she stared deeply into the fridge. "They are hot, Dex' wasn't kidding." Mandy gave her a face. "I'm not gonna, you know." Annie wiggled her eyebrows until Mandy laughed. 

"Wanna beer kid or you on hard liquor tonight?" Mandy held out her unopened beer to Annie.

"No liquor for me, I have finals in a week. I gotta keep sharp." Annie sniffed her cup and passed it under Mandy's nose.

Mandy chuckled, "I'm proud of you, really."

Lynn came into the kitchen carrying dumplings, pickled veggies and store bought cookies.

Lynn stuck her tongue out at Mandy and Annies skeptical comments back and forth. 

Annie sat down at the table, and begun rearranging the movie lineup for the night. Dexter's roommate came over to her. Annie blushed a little as they began discussing, riffing, the movie's placement in the cue. 

Annie gave the movies a definitive shuffle on the table before sitting dead center on the couch. Annie began to drift off almost as soon as the lights dimmed, all her hard work had worked her over. Mandy rested against the couch and Annie’s shin. Annie tried to focus on the conversation between Mandy and Lynn to stay awake. 

Princess nudged her out of her daze. Annie moving over picked up Dexter’s feet from the cough and placed them on her lap. Dexter tried to move and apologize but she held his feet there. “As long as you didn’t work today, and your feet ain’t nasty, I don’t mind.” Dexter chuckled and leaned down in his chair so it was just his ankles on her leg. He passed her a huge bowl of popcorn for the couch people. Dexter’s roommate tossed her a cold water bottle “Thanks.”

“Yeah, yours was empty anyway.” They smiled at one another before the sound of a chainsaw made everyone jump.

It was a night full of fun, friendly banter, treats and spooky goodness.

[nightshift-cup-of-coffin]

Halloween Night 🎃 Mandy

The porch light flickered outside Dexter's place. Anxiety sweat prickled across Mandy’s upper lip. Dexter's hot roommate was reluctantly joining them when plans fell through. New people were an exciting horror to Mandy as were most things. 

Her plate of cookies shifted as she rang the doorbell. 

"Hey!" Dexter ushered her inside taking the cookies, quickly introducing her to the roommate and left her standing next to the fridge. 

Soon the movies began. Games were played.

Mandy planted herself on the arm of the couch, a comfortable easily shifted position, beer in hand. 

Mandy sat snug next to Lynn and Princess's arm stretching along the top of the couch poking her when she made funny jokes. The night went on slow. The games were short lived but only because everyone got distracted by the movies or one another. Mandy’s anxiety left after her first beer, the rest of the night was one of the most fun she’s had.  It was a fun night of food, spooky things, bad puns and high spirits.

#short story #writers on tumblr #writing #horror #spooky #halloween #nightmare time #spooky stories #horror stories #story in progress #happy halloweeeeeeen #all hallows eve #piece #murder