Deadly Drabbles - Substack Inspiration

A trio of shorts based on YOUR prompts

By the Pines

Clark kicks his car in frustration, annoyed that it has given up the ghost and that he is going to be stuck here for two hours before the tow truck arrives.

The tall pine trees on either side of the road cast shadows that make it feel later than it really is. Clark looks into the trees and swears he sees movement, sending a chill up his spine.

He gets back into the car just as the creatures come out of the woods, all eyes on him. He knows the vehicle won’t start, but he tries again, to no avail.

Howl

He leaves a trail of piss as he runs, the sound of claws on pavement drawing closer as he tears up the street. In the houses, curtains are drawn and lights go out. There is no help coming.

He screams in pain as claws rake at the flesh of his back, tearing open ragged divots. He drops and they are upon him, all nipping at him with sharp, canine teeth.

He raises his head to scream noticing the full moon overhead. The sound escapes him, not as a scream, but as a spine-chilling howl. He is now with the pack.

Pteronophobia

Lawrence lays down his head to rest and a surge of panic races through his chest like a lone lightning bolt. Something sharp pokes out of the soft pillow, nicking his cheek.

He sits up and throws the feather pillow across the room, his heart rate increasing by the second.

Nausea rises in his throat as the pillow begins to move, the sound of tearing fabric echoing around the hotel room. He wants to run away, but he cannot tear his eyes away from the feather creature hatching out of the pillow. His heart stops when it looks his way.