Revelations: A Horror Anthology

By Elizabeth Hartl

Fear is that unpleasant feeling of danger looming, either real or perceived. It could be the monster under the bed. It could be the contents of a graveyard. It could be your neighbor. It could be the people you trust. In this book, fear is: Your loved ones... The dark... A vacation... Your neighbors. Fear can teach us valuable lessons necessary for our survival. Are you ready for yours?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Hartl
• Release date: Sep 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005120580

Elizabeth Hartl

Elizabeth is a freelance writer and editor with 12+ years’ experience in both fiction and non-fiction. She currently runs elizabethedits.com, an editing and writing coach service.

Book preview

Revelations

A Horror Anthology

Elizabeth Hartl

Copyright 2020 Elizabeth Hartl. All Rights Reserved.

Cover and internal design 2020 by Elizabeth Hartl

Cover design by Chrisopher Manley

ISBN: 9781005120580

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other non-commercial uses as permitted by copyright law.

All characters portrayed within this work are completely fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, is entirely coincidental.

For Angie

It’s the little things that count

(Like the goblins)

Contents

Beginnings

Stickpin

Intrusion

Assumption

Lunacy

Anniversary

Road Trip

The Summoning

Banality

Legends

Homeowners

Finality

About the Author

Legend Tripping: A Choose-Your-Own Travel Guide

Beginnings

"Morning will come, it has no choice."

This is a new beginning.

You have no choice. Facing it is the only way forward. You know that everyone is afraid of something. What is it that frightens you?

Perhaps it is the fear of being attacked. You are walking in the dark alone and someone, or something, is walking behind you. You can’t quite make out their features, but they are following you.

Perhaps it is the fear of a home invasion. You don’t know who entered your sanctuary without warrant. You don’t know how they got in. You may not even know they are there. But they are watching you, and waiting.

Have you ever looked at your loved one and, for just a moment, thought you could smother the life out of them? I’m sure your loved one has thought that regarding you. It is more common than you might think.

You know these horrors are waiting for you.

This is a new beginning.

Stickpin

"Big mouthfuls often choke."

Rain drizzled on the tent above the casket while mourners huddled around, trying to keep warm. As the priest spoke his final blessing, Lita grabbed a handful of damp dirt and tossed it into the grave. It landed on the wooden casket with a sick thud. She took her sister by the arm. Come on, Renee. Lita led Renee away from the handful of mourners bowed in grief.

Can you believe this turnout? Only four people, not including us. Renee broke free of Lita’s grasp and lit a cigarette.

Lita shrugged and rolled the cuff of her sweater.

Doesn’t matter, I guess. Why would a dead man care?

Lita rolled her eyes. Always with the drama.

Not true.

Lita dug her toe into the wet grass. Rosa will miss him.

Renee snorted. Yeah. She watched as a tearful Rosa threw a handful of dirt into the grave. Doesn’t surprise me.

Lita and Renee watched from a distance as one by one the mourners drifted away from the grave and the gravediggers shoveled dirt onto the casket.

Lita turned to Renee. I can’t believe he’s gone. She took one last look towards her father’s grave. And I’m not sorry.

*

I, Francis J. Moody, being of sound mind and body, bequeath Ms. Rosa Martinez $50,000 for her loyalty and friendship throughout the years. As for the rest of my estate, including the house and land, I request it liquidated and all proceeds from its sale, including all monies in trusts and bank accounts, be merged and given to the charity of my daughter, Lita’s, choice.

What? Lita shook her head, staring at her father’s long-time lawyer, Jackson Bean.

I’m sorry. He left nothing to either of you.

Lita’s eyes moved to Renee. Renee nodded and spoke up.

Can’t we fight this?

Mr. Bean sat back in Francis J. Moody’s executive desk chair behind the antique walnut desk and steepled his hands against his lips. "Sure, but it will be a lengthy process that won’t give you the outcome you desire. Francis was clear and level-headed right up to the end.