Immerse yourself in the captivating tapestry of East Central Indiana. With each stroke of this literary canvas, A PORTRAIT OF THE HEARTLAND invites you to explore the enigmatic depths of the human psyche and soul. Within its stories, a vivid panorama unfolds, juxtaposing the forces of good and evil, hope and despair, life and death, and the ethereal realms of angels and demons. Prepare to be enthralled as you encounter a demon’s menacing grip on a young couple (“Beyond the Bonfire’s Light”), partake in spectral playdates (“For the Love of Scott O’Bryan”), bear witness to the vengeance borne from childhood scars (“Closed on Sunday”), experience the eerie pursuit of an otherworldly creature amidst the cornfields (“Through the Shadows Dim”), and journey into an unsettling realm, where the passage of the angel of death infiltrates a nursing home (“An Inauspicious Dawn”). These stories will leave you haunted by nocturnal visions and compelled to question the lurking shadows that dance at the edge of your vision.
1. Beyond the Bonfire’s Light
On Halloween, Tiffany and Brent go all out to create an unforgettable party for their daughter. Amidst the joyous festivities, they gather around a crackling bonfire, ready to share an eerie ghost story. This particular tale sends shivers down Tiffany and Brent’s spines, as it recounts the bone-chilling experience that haunted them in their early days of marriage. As the young ladies huddle together, wrapped in cozy blankets, they remain blissfully unaware of the lurking presence concealed within the shadows, silently observing their every move from the enigmatic darkness.
This short story is available on Amazon Kindle.
2. For the Love of Scott O’Bryan
Fresh in town, Seth Kaufman eagerly anticipates meeting a fellow boy of his own age. Their friendship blossoms through playful activities, but something feels awry about the overbearing nature of his new friend’s mother and the overall dynamics of their household. As Seth delves deeper into the circumstances, he gradually realizes he has stepped into a realm akin to purgatory, where uncertainty and unease permeate every corner.
This short story is available on Amazon Kindle.