Gingerbread: A Dark Fiction Short Story

By Joshua Ian

Miss Mona is the sweet old lady who lives on the fourth floor. Or, at least, that's what all her neighbors think. But the true soul underneath the cardigan is much, much darker than anyone would ever suspect. Mona is hiding some very disturbing secrets in her home. After all, everyone has their little obsessions, don't they?

Includes the bonus short story "Spark."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Moody Boxfan Books
• Release date: Oct 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781733480314

Joshua Ian

Joshua Ian can easily be captured by a witty turn of phrase or a low-bottomed electronic bassline. If you manage to combine the two, then you have his heart forever. He lives in New York City and is a keen cinema lover and self-proclaimed Dark Chocolate Expert. When not staring at a blank screen and cursing the futility of life, he can be found watching cozy mystery shows, daydreaming of his future kaftan collection, or scouring used book vendors to accumulate more vintage romances and mysteries than his shelves are actually capable of handling. One day he plans to travel the world - to see what each country has to offer in the way of used books, movie theatres and dark chocolate, naturally.

Book preview

GINGERBREAD

Mona undid the top two buttons of her cardigan, muttering to herself. The bus had been freezing like it always was in the summer. People these days were too spoiled, always wanting it freezing cold in the summer and pumped to a swelter in the winter. Seasons had no meaning anymore. Everything was thermostat ready and did her head in. Back in the heat of the day, the walk from the bus stop to the stoop had left her slightly flushed. She put down her bags, pausing on the sidewalk in front of her building.

A sudden burst of noise came from the front door. It was Patricia, from three doors down, and her son Simon. Mona was glad to see Patricia had brought the boy with her; it meant she wouldn’t linger as long as usual with her incessantly stupid small talk.

Miss Mona, Patricia cried out, waving. How are you today? You’re looking well. Nice and rosy-cheeked.

Thank you. Mona summoned a smile. The boy bounded down the stairs and landed in front of her with a small jump from the last step. He had a soccer ball under his arm. Hello, Simon. How are you doing?

Good.

Well, Mona corrected. You’re doing well.

Simon squinted at her, his expression impassive.

Mona tried not to stare at the fuzzy upper lip he was developing. He kept his hair close, and couple with the dumb expression he always wore, this new outgrowth made him look like a criminal to Mona’s reckoning. Not surprising given his parents.

Can Simon help you with your bags? Patricia offered.

No, dear, thank you. I’m quite alright. Just taking a moment to enjoy the weather before I go inside.

Yes, it’s a lovely day, agreed Patricia.

Nah, it’s hot as hell, said the boy, glaring at Mona.

Simon, his mother chastised. Language! She pushed her son slightly ahead of her. Well, I’m sorry we can’t stay and chat, Miss Mona, but we’re running late for practice. We’ll see you soon, I’m sure.