Short Stories from the Mind of Aaron Dennis

By Aaron Dennis

9 short stories. The Tuurngait, a mind bending horror tale. My first, a horrible tale from a psycho's point of view. The Potato Clock, a silly story, Hunting, the mind of a survivor killing zombies. Losing Human, a mad scientist loses his humanity. Eudora, a young girl used to be something quite different. Expedition, a fantasy. Raising Dead, a fantasy. A Night in Hartford, a zombie horror.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Dennis
• Release date: Dec 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310993589

Aaron Dennis

Drop by www.storiesbydennis.com

Book preview

Short Stories

From the Mind of Aaron Dennis

A compilation of short stories by Aaron Dennis

Copyright 2014 by Aaron Dennis

Published by https://www.storiesbydennis.com/ December 2015

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any form, including digital and electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the Publisher, except for brief quotes for use in reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

The Tuurngait

My First

The Potato Clock

Hunting

Losing Human

Eudora

Expedition

Raising Dead

A Night in Hartford

The Tuurngait

What do you think, Jon asked. They’re shutting it down at the end of the season.

A charming smile and swarthy good looks were the best of Jon’s attributes. His fiancée, Karen, carefully wet her pouty lips. Smokey, blue eyes penetrated Jon’s soul. Inevitably, he took a big breath in anticipation.

This is probably the only vacation you can afford, she quipped then gave a crooked smile.

They shared a laugh, the young attractive couple from L.A. Okay, I get it, Jon admitted. I don’t have a pot to piss in, but I love you, and a ski lodge vacation sounds awesome.

It was agreed. On the spot, the two scheduled time off work and using the complimentary tickets, they booked a trip to Dexter’s Lodge in Seward, Alaska. The flight to Seward and train ride to Dexter’s Lodge was included—one way passes from a desperate businessman no longer able to stay in business.

Flying economy, Jon and Karen sat together and discussed life, work, and the sorely needed time away from life and work. Suburban life—though unfolding as planned—betrayed spirit crushing boredom; the predictability; the routine. Vacation was really a break from life more than work, but then work had become life, at least for Karen.

I’m freakin’ pumped, Jon started, skiing in Alaska…makes the beaches seem like a chore. Yo, F that heat.

Karen winced as she laid her head onto his shoulder. Unable to keep it to herself, she gave her usual passive aggressive complaint.

At least you won’t be tempted by bikini babes.

Jon shook his head before replying, This again?

Karen was silent. The sounds of other voices chattering and bad movies playing bled over her silent brooding.

I told you, I’m being good. When I asked you to marry me, I swore off other women.

I know, I know…I didn’t mean anything.

You kinda’ did.

I’m sorry. You’ve been good…I can’t, I just can’t stand the thought of some other woman straddling that hot bod.

She patted his arm without lifting her head. They chuckled.

So how’s that new project—the software for Penatrieve?

She gave him a fake punch in the arm as she pulled her head up and looked at him. Datatrieve, she corrected. I think the user interface is coming along nicely. The graphical interface makes it real easy for even old timers to use the program.

Right, right, right, right….

It was a big contract for us. Bonuses ought to be good this year. What about Stein? He still giving you crap at the dealership?

He’s a micromanager. If he just stayed off my ass and kept his eyes glued to my sales records, he’d know I can sell better than anyone else there.

Especially to soccer moms, Karen went passive aggressive again.

Jon ignored it and moved his eyes to the television screen. Time moved slowly. Recycled air pumped through the plane. Hope I don’t catch some horrible cold before we get there, Jon thought. The last thing I want is to be laid up in bed. Then, the none-too-bright, smooth operator turned to thinking about the trip.

How do they make money giving passes like this away? I mean, plane tickets and train passes?

Boy, it’s a good thing you know how to put it on me, Karen chirped. When a business like this shuts down, the money comes from whatever commodities, luxuries, or gifts you buy when you’re there. The regular rooms might be free, but they’ll ask us if we want to upgrade, rent skiing equipment, buy mementos, pictures; all that kind of stuff.

Oh, right…no, I knew that, Jon joked.

Karen smiled and looked at him for just a little while. They grew quiet again. Jon looked around at the passengers; families, businessmen, pretty much what was expected of economy. The boredom was brutal.

Mile high club? he whispered.

Shut up, Karen grinned.

Okay, but I’m shuttin’ it down now, so don’t come beggin’ for it.

Shut it down, Jon.

They rested for the remainder of the flight, after which they claimed their luggage, took a shuttle to the train station, and rode a practically empty train car to Seaward. Jon gazed out the window—into a white blur of snowy scenery. Karen, however, furrowed a brow in wonder. Kind of empty…I wonder if there are others going to Dexter’s on this train. I mean, there must be…. A bump drew her attention. Jon had nudged her. When she looked at him, he smiled and kissed her.

It was soft and light at first. Then, he sucked her bottom lip a little. No one noticed them. From her bottom lip, he made to open her lips with his own. Her soft, moist tongue welcomed his—a circular motion of massaging soft, warm tissue. Her saliva was absolutely delicious. A few smacking sounds ensued. Still no one noticed, so he moved in to massage her chest. She chuckled and slapped his hand away.

Where the Hell do you think you are?

He grinned knowingly; his bright eyes showed confidence bordering just this side of arrogance. With a subtle shrug, he dismissed her behavior. Instead of rubbing her pert breasts, he kissed the side of her neck. His hand found its way to her thigh. Unfortunately, the cold weather had them both in some serious layers, but clothed thigh was still better than nothing.

C’mon…let me get in there, he whispered while trying to maneuver his hand between her legs.

Animal, she whispered and bit his ear a little harder than playfully.

Ow! He pulled back, incredulous. You fucking bit me.

Yeah, that’s right, Karen affirmed. Now, behave yourself. We’re in public.

We’ve been in public before.

Young and drunk, she answered. Now we’re neither.

Jon pouted. Not only was he denied, she emotionally chastised him, and her way of saying eyether and neyether always made him feel stupid. He resorted to his defense mechanism.

Fine. Deny this…maybe I’ll just have to look somewhere else. Betcha’ there are some snow bunnies at the lodge.

Wow…really? Karen was appalled. I–!

C’mooon. I’m playing.

Don’t even talk to me.

She put her hand up and crossed her legs away from him. It didn’t matter. She rebuffed him for only moments while he whispered sweet nothings, rubbed her shoulders, and kissed her neck. Before long, they pulled into the Seaward station and hailed a cab to Dexter’s Lodge. It was a short quiet ride; only an overcast sky and hard packed snow sped by their vision. Moments later, the cabbie pulled into the parking lot in front of the rustic lodge. The exterior was made to look like interlocked logs, but it was just pretty siding.

Jon and Karen nabbed their gear and paid the guy. He drove off, leaving them to make their approach. Crossing the full lot, they gazed at the rich, brown, faux wood composing the exterior of the complex. Behind the main building they saw a few smaller cabins, ski lifts, and the frozen lake. Jon nudged his fiancée.

We’re here, babe, he grinned.

She looked him over and smiled back. Sometimes, his childlike demeanor was off putting. At the moment, she found it endearing. They walked in through the opened, wooden doors. Earth tones graced the humble service desk.

An aging African American sat behind the counter. Others in the lobby spoke to each other or sipped hot coffee. A busty blonde caught Jon’s eye as he reached the service desk. Karen noticed and bit her lip, but remained quiet. She thought it odd that no one else was in line to register. Producing all the required paperwork, she was greeted by the gray haired African American.

He stood, saying, Welcome to Dexter’s Lodge. I am Dexter Louis. A pleasure to meet you.

His eloquent tone and commanding presence was somewhat of a shock to Karen. Thanks, Mister Louis–

Ah, Dexter interrupted with a broad smile. His piercing dark eyes held hers for a minute. Call me Dexter.

He was firm yet gentle. His sardonic histrionics of forced bows and sweeping hand gestures made her giggle. Jon turned to look at Dexter, who returned scrutiny. Dexter then turned back to Karen and slid the clipboard to her.

Always a pleasure to see young love stride in through those doors. Now, can I interest you in our remaining private cabin? It’s the last one and grants all the privacy a lovely young couple like yourselves desires.

He had a mesmerizing way of speaking; all of his words were clear, crystal clear. There was a strange intent behind them. Jon was oblivious and as usual was thinking with his pecker.

How much, he asked.

Hold on, Jon, Karen cut in. She looked into Dexter’s eyes. What are the complimentary rooms like?

Nice, naturally. All the bare essentials; furnace, running water, mini bar; we spare no expense.

I think we’ll spend our money on some of your other luxuries, Karen replied.

Jon smiled and shrugged, saying, What my baby wants, my baby gets.

Dexter laughed a little more heartily than the situation called for, but was otherwise genuinely pleased. His big, white teeth almost sparkled.

Since tonight is the first night of the last amazing weekend you’ll ever have, we have a special banquet in the dining hall. I hope to see you both there, Dexter announced.

What time is that, Jon asked.

Eight sharp.

He looked at the clock on the wall. It was the shape of an oak leaf carved out of a glazed piece of wood. It read Seven Thirty-Seven.

Oh man, we might have to pass. We gotta’ unpack…and uh…then maybe pack it in…heh.

Jon! Karen mockingly chastised. I’m sorry, Dexter. We’ll try to show up before it’s all over.

Dexter never broke eye contact. That pristine smile was still pasted over his face.

Janet will show you to your room then.

The owner hit a little bell ensconced by the counter top and an older African American woman entered from a door behind him. She looked tired and didn’t say anything as she came around the counter. The look in her eye was vacant.

Together, the three walked to the left of the counter and down a hall where several paintings depicting the hunting of wolves, bears, and black-tail deer hung. The fluorescent lights flickered slightly overhead. A seemingly forced silence prevailed. Passing several doors, they reached room 33, and Janet let them in.

Your keycard, she said and handed them a white card with a magnetic strip.

Thanks so much, Janet, Karen replied.

While she fumbled through her purse for a tip, Janet walked away briskly. Jon looked at her and shrugged.

Well, get in there so I can tear it up.

Animal, Karen exclaimed, gleefully.

The room was everything Dexter had said. The only issue was the small bed. It didn’t matter. They chucked their gear and clothes before making passionate love. After the two hour romp session, they took turns showering and redressing for dinner. It was just after ten when Karen looked over the brochure, which displayed the layout of the lodge. Having a better sense of direction than her counterpart, she led them down the hall and to the back of the lodge where a rustic restaurant awaited.

It was nearly devoid of guests. Only a young bartender, a waitress, and a busboy remained from whatever staff was presumably present. Jon and Karen took a seat at the table. A white tablecloth lay draped over it. The waitress, a middle aged, heavy woman, approached with a meek smile.

I’m afraid you missed the big dinner, but I can get you whatever you like off the menu.

I’ll see the bartender, hon, Jon said, leaving Karen to contemplation.

Having been recently pleased, she was unconcerned with what he had in mind; the young, busty blonde from earlier was also at the bar. He made is approach, nearly touched her with his elbow as he leaned across the bar and asked for drinks; two brandies.

Hey, the girl said.

Oh, hey, Jon chuckled and grinned. I saw you in the lobby, right?

His disarming chuckle was everything she wanted to hear. The alcohol had already gone to her head, and the lines of the world were swimming.

Mmmhmmm, she purred and sipped her cocktail.

I’m Jon.

Leslie.

He turned to her while leaning his back against the bar. The server pushed the drinks over. He chuckled again as he put a twenty down on the counter.

I’m supposed to have dinner with my fiancée….

But?

But, he spoke slowly. I’m here on vacation.

Aren’t we all?

Jon smiled his crooked, cat smile. The left corner of his lip came up revealing his teeth.

You’re alone, Leslie?

For the moment, she replied, looking away coyly.

He leaned in to whisper into her ear, My fiancée is already tired, but this crisp mountain air is invigorating.

His sensual voice was more than she was able to bear. Room fourteen…when you find yourself unable to sleep.

Leslie finished her cocktail and left the bar, but not without dropping her keycard on the counter. Jon finally returned to Karen, who sat with arms folded and glared holes in him.

What?

You must really think I’m stupid.

He sat down, placed her drink before her, and started sipping his.

What, that, he asked, incredulously. I’m just trying to score some dope. We’re on vacation!

Karen shook her head. Then, I don’t know which is worse; you trying to fuck someone else, or you trying to act like a God damned teenager. You’re thirty. Cut the crap, Jon.

Man, I can’t do anything right, can I? he complained. Reaching over to take her hand, he smiled softly. Relax, Karen. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to. Let’s have a nice dinner, a few drinks, forget all about work, home, and whatever else. Then, we can relax. You said they have hot tubs, right?

She sighed heavily. Part of her knew better, part of her always hoped that somehow Jon was going to grow up. It didn’t matter. He had a way with words, looks, touch. He was going to get his way.

Sure, Jon, and then we’ll go back to our room and fuck, right?

Geez. You make it sound like that isn’t supposed to be how it works. I mean, what else is there?

The night played out much as expected. Another romp session ended in ecstasy and Karen drifted off to sleep. Jon was restless. He remained awake in bed; thoughts of Leslie swam through his head. I probably shouldn’t, but…. He glanced over to the nightstand where his pants laid. He reached into the back pocket and pulled out the keycard. Flipping it through his fingers, he made his bad decision, got dressed, and snuck out of the room.

The hallway was dark. Instead of the fluorescent lighting, a few, dim, decorative bulbs illuminated the paintings. Jon rubbed his face and meandered about until he came upon room 14. He was about to knock, but instead opted for sticking the card in the handle’s slot, and he let himself in. Leslie’s room was the same as his, with the exception of the busty blonde splayed out on the sheets. She was nude and smiling.

I thought you weren’t going to show, she said, indifferently. Jon’s mouth was slightly agape. Her bare breasts were more than enough to silence his mind. You going to stand there or what?

He shook his head to clear the cobwebs, shut the door, and joined her in bed. A little foreplay ensued.

Yes, Jon, touch me.

Her words sounded far away as though spoken through a tube. An image flashed in Jon’s mind—Dexter’s eyes.

Touch her, Jon.

It was Dexter’s voice. What? What the Hell? In confusion, he opened his eyes and looked fixedly at Leslie. Her eyes were glossy. Guilt? A second later, he was pinching her nipples between the fore and middle fingers of both hands, her silky tongue stroking his.

"It feels right, Jon," but the voice in his head wasn’t his, or Dexter’s, it was Leslie’s.

Then, a barrage of foreign thoughts, voices, and echoes boomed into his head. He stood out of the bed in one motion, frightened out of his wits.

"What is it? What’s wrong," Leslie asked without moving her mouth.

"What? What’s, what’s happening," he asked her, mentally.

We have a real connection. Do you feel it?

I–

He took his clothes, stumbled out of the room in the buff, and smashed into the opposing wall. His vision blurred. The hall stretched onwards, but he kept stumbling forwards, trying to dress, trying to make sense of the situation.

Tuurngait.

It was Dexter again. The image of a mass of writhing tentacles assaulted Jon’s mind. Focusing on the end of the hall, he made a mad dash, wrecked against the corner, and ran all the way back to his room. When he burst in, Karen was glaring at him.

"You were fucking her!"

I-I didn’t, he choked.

A loud crack sounded, and all the lights went off. Jon spun about in total blackness. A soft sputtering echoed from outside.

What’s happening!

It’s the blizzard, Jon. The power went out. Don’t you hear them?

Hear, he asked, meekly.

Subtle voices swam through his head. They spoke of the blizzard raging over Seaward. The power was out, but the generator was coming on. Dim light barely illuminated the room. Somehow Karen looked different, more severe, heavier, and fierce. He climbed into the bed, and on all fours he looked at her—his eyes wide with terror.

We have to go, he whispered.

"You’ll stay," it was Karen’s voice, but with Dexter’s inflection.

Tears stung his eyes. He reached for her hand, but she pulled away and rolled over.

God damn it, you harpy! We have to go!

"Go where? Isn’t this amazing? We’re all connected…."

Connected? What the fuck is going on here? At the culmination of his question, the writhing mass of tentacles appeared in his mind’s eye again. It was more than a vision; it was as though he was in them. They swarmed over him with a slimy grasp.

No! His shout was so loud it startled Karen. She sat up—fear in her eyes as well—and looked at him. Karen, honey, I’m begging you….

What’s happening, Jon? What’s Tuurngait?

I have no fucking clue. Something is really wrong here. His voice wavered, but she nodded, and they started to gather their gear when a knock startled them and Karen let out a yelp. Y-yes?

Just wanted to let you know everything is okay, Janet said from the other side of the door. We have this happen every year, you know?

He approached the door and opened it. Janet was standing there. The expression on her face was one of bliss. Her eyes were crossed. He took her by the shoulders and her voice entered his head.

"Stay calm, Jon; let the Tuurngait’s love wash over you.