Day 1 – Hang with Care
Ever get the feeling that glass ornaments are more precious than they appear? That an old bauble breaking is a strange sort of tragedy? Something to fear?
You’re experiencing genetic trauma. You can still feel the scar. One of your ancestors let one break. They let something out.
You’ll be more careful though, right?
Day 2 – The Choir
Can you hear carolers coming up the street? Is their song growing louder? Are the disjointed lyrics starting to make sense?
Stop listening. Lock your doors, and put in earplugs if you have them. Rip off your ears if you must.
The longer you listen, the more likely you are to sing along. A virus has infected your neighbors.
They want you to join in their song.
Day 3 – First Kiss
Did you know that a kiss beneath the mistletoe is special?
No, this isn’t a cheesy pickup line. I’m serious.
It’s an old tradition, from when people understood the power of a promise.
No, the rest of them can’t see me.
I’ve been here for a long time. Waiting for you.
Day 4 – Snow Days
It’s been over a week since the snow began to fall. Our children got their day off from school, and they rejoiced. They left their homes to frolic in empty streets.
After three days, we started to worry. The plows couldn’t keep up, and we were told to shelter in place. My kids weren’t scared yet.
It’s been a day since we noticed we couldn’t leave, the doors buried and frozen over. I’m not sure how long our food will last, but the power is out, and the windows are covered.
For all I know, the world is already gone.
Author’s Note:
Hello everyone! This is a brand new flash fiction series running all the way to the 25th. From this point on, you’ll be getting daily doses of holiday horror!
Want more? Sign up for the ARC Directive to get early access to chapters, unlock exclusive horrors, and step deeper into the dark — only on Patreon.
Jacob Marsh 