Up the Hall and Down Below

By Robert Wilcox

UP THE HALL AND DOWN BELOW is a collection of short stories, each one presenting a different set of characters in a different genre.

Among them are the likes of "Minutes", a story about the value placed on time and how one man learns that having too much time left can be just as horrifying as having too little time left. Or perhaps a story about the repetition of tragedy in "Subject: Premonition" is more your speed— follow Dr. Janaki, an agent of the FBI, in her interrogation with an otherworldly being that happened to appear on her doorstep.

Maybe you'd prefer the story of Giana, a hurt and lonely young woman who finds herself swept away to a strange and unforgiving world in "A Crack in the Stairs." Or for all we know you'll enjoy the journey of Catalina in "Spider's Web," the story of a small town and its bloody traditions.

Of course, there are also much shorter stories in the bunch; ones that are only one or two pages, like "The Maiden, Mother, and Crone" or "It's Just That Easy" for those who only want a quick bite.

There's a strange story for anyone in these halls, so please step inside and pick a door, who knows what you may find.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert Wilcox
• Release date: Aug 18, 2022

Robert Wilcox

Robert Wilcox is a writer specializing in writing fantastical, comedic, and sometimes psychologically damaging stories. They are currently pursuing a BFA in Creative Writing at Full Sail University. Their short films have been showcased in festivals across the state of Florida and their psychological thriller "For a Long Time" was awarded "Best Screenplay" in the 2021 annual Brucy's. Equal to their passion for writing is their desire to waste hours of their life in front of a screen playing sandbox games and exploring fantastical worlds.

Book preview

Up the Hall and Down Below

A Collection of Short Stories

by Robert Wilcox

Copyright © Robert Wilcox, 2022

All Rights Reserved

First Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Table of Contents

Preface

Minutes

Subject: Premonition

The Maiden, Mother, and Crone

It's Just That Easy

A Crack in the Stairs

Spider’s Web

A Way Out

About the Author

Preface

The following book is a compilation of short stories written by me in my College years. Many of them were written with specific prompts in place or rather restrictive rubrics tying me down. They span a variety of genres, lengths, and writing styles and bare only one connecting thread– they're all at least a little strange.

If that sounds like the type of book that's for you, then I hope you enjoy some of my earliest works.

- Robby

Minutes

6:00 PM, the sterilized lab air felt sharp like the needle that dug into my flesh. As the assistant pushed down the plunger of the syringe, I felt the drug wash into my veins. My heart rate slowed as my body started to process the chemicals.

6:01 PM, they prodded me with a flurry of questions, probing for any possible immediate side-effects, but all seemed well.

6:02 PM, my eyelids feel… much heavier than they did moments ago. An assistant came and provided me with a simple crossword puzzle to test the effects.

6:03 PM, it only took me moments to figure out the