By: Thomas J. Griffin.

That Which Brings Death approaches through the backyard, its victims visible through the window.

That Which Carries Pestilence in Its Wake trapses over flowerbeds. Zinnia petals fall like snow. The baptisia shrivels, leaves turning black as though held over a crackling flame.

That Which Stalks the Unsuspecting hears laughter. A fanged grin spreads in anticipation of an unhappy ending.

That Which Inspires Nightmares reels, a bark assaulting its sensitive ears.

That Which Cannot Abide Loud Noises flees from the schnauzer snarling behind the glass.

“What’s with Fru-Fru?” Terry asks Sheila from the couch.

“Who knows. He’s always barking at nothing.”

© 2024. Thomas J. Griffin

Thomas J. Griffin is a life-long fiction lover and sumo wrestling enthusiast from Nashville, Tennessee. He is the editor of Flash Point SF and his own stories have appeared in The Magazine of F&SF, Daily Science Fiction, and Wyldblood Press.

Posted October 23, 2024.