In a tapestry of interlinked cosmic horrors, Sinister Stories and Twisted Tales explores the Theseus paradox, promising a mind-bending journey that will unravel your perception of reality. This anthology is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction seeking rich world-building and narratives that defy conventions.
These avant-garde narratives invite you to navigate the mysterious Amalgam Engineers, who manipulate destiny with the Drums of Jaiyi. Witness a mother’s desperate attempt to protect her son, leading to unforeseen consequences, and follow a man’s chilling quest for forbidden technology to save his daughter. In “57 Minutes,” experience the quietude of impending doom colliding with existential reflection, while “Smiley Face” delivers a haunting tale of betrayal and revenge.
Each story offers unsettling and thought-provoking explorations of the human psyche, venturing into realms beyond nightmares and dreamscapes. This anthology immerses you in puzzles reminiscent of Black Mirror or Tales from the Loop, inviting you to uncover hidden truths and delve into the depths of human existence.
Excerpt:
“Mom, mum, mommy…” Kyle was turning nine years old tomorrow and had been asking for a pet for months but today he was more than persistent.
“Kyle, if you ask again I’m going to take a present away.” Steph pulled her hair out of her eyes and pointed at the dining table where they had already started to decorate.
“I’ll feed it. I’ll clean it. I’ll do anything. Dad said to ask you.”
Steph was trying to make him a sandwich but set down the utensils and yelled over her shoulder, “Ray! Raymond if you told him to come in he re asking again I’m going to be pissed.”
“Mom!” Kyle pointed at her, “That’s bad words.”
“No it’s not.” She shot back with a grin.
Kyle ran to the hall, “Dad, mom’s pissed!”
She lunged at him playfully, “That doesn’t mean you can say it.”
Kyle laughed and jumped away, “Mom’s pissed!”
Ray was already coming down the hall toward the kitchen. “I’m just messing around, Steph.” He nudged Kyle toward the living room, “Go watch TV and don’t say piss.”
“Piss.” Kyle mumbled as he sat on the couch and fumbled with the remote.
Ray chuckled, “Don’t say it.”
Steph glared at him, “I’m trying to make lunch and you got him in here begging for a pet again.”
Ray stepped up behind her and whispered, “My mom’s bringing it over first thing in the morning. We should tell him.”
“No.” She started making the sandwich again. “Don’t tease him.”
“I’m not,” Ray said. “You want it too.”
“Shhh…” She pushed him away. “Kyle, you want juice?”
He didn’t hear her over the TV.
Steph whispered, “After lunch, take him to the park or something so I can wrap the gifts.”
“Yea, I will.” Ray picked up some lunch meat and started snacking.
Steph yelled this time, “Kyle, what do you want to drink?”
“Piss!” Kyle yelled and Ray spit a mouthful of food into his hand, laughing.
The next morning Grandma Chelsea was already calling, already on the way, early as always. Kyle and Steph were still asleep but Ray had been up and drinking coffee in the kitchen when she called, “Hey mom.”
“Is the birthday boy awake?” she asked.
“They’re both asleep, it’s the weekend.”
She sounded disappointed, “I thought he’d be up.”
“Me too but it’s early.”
“Well I have little Tuk-Tuk tucked away with me. You better wake him up!”
“I’ll go get him; he’s going to freak out. But, I don’t think we’re going to call him Tuk-Tuk.”
She sounded disappointed again, “That’s his name, though. It’s on the carrier. It’s how he came.”
“I know mom but we’re going to let Kyle name it.”
“It’s how he came.”
“Ok mom, let me go get them up. How close are you?”
She paused for just a second, long enough though, “You better hurry. I’ll be there in about half an hour.”
Ray went into the bedroom and Steph was already sitting up, “Mom’s on the way.”
“She’s early.”
“Yep, we got like 15-20 minutes.” He sat down on the bed beside her and they heard Kyle’s door swing open.
“Mom! Dad!” Kyle ran into the room and jumped on the bed. “Can I open a present now?!”
“Happy Birthday, buddy!” Ray grabbed him and gave him hug. “Not yet.”
Steph smiled, “Happy Birthday big-boy! Come here!” Kyle gave her a hug. “What’s for breakfast?”
“Well,” Ray said. “Grandma’s on her way and bringing donuts!”
“Yea!” Kyle screamed and jumped off the bed, running toward the kitchen. “Presents!”
Steph and Ray looked at each other, still smiling, “I got you coffee.” Ray said.
It was only ten minutes before Grandma Chelsea pulled into the driveway. They’d had barely enough coffee and Kyle was gulping down chocolate milk when he saw Grandma walking up to the door. She had a small carrier.
Kyle was shockingly quiet…
He stared out the window for a moment, realizing something was different. Realizing what Grandma might be holding.
He set the glass down and looked quickly at his parents before standing.
“Go get her.” Ray said.
“Grandma!” Kyle yelled and rushed to the door.
The carrier was for a small dog. But it wasn’t a dog.
