short story

I’m posting some old Mrs. Friedly stories in honor of Halloween! If you like these stories, you should definitely check out CREEPING STONES & OTHER STORIES,  a collection of short horror tales that was just released this week! You can order it here.

The Best Costumes Are Homemade
By Cullen Bunn

Mrs. Friedly had been feeling quite festive, but the children were raising such a fuss that she was growing cross. She took a deep breath, though, and reminded herself that it was, after all, her favorite holiday. She refused to let it be spoiled. She picked a piece of candy from the bowl on the kitchen table and plopped it into her mouth. She instantly felt better.

But the children still whined and mewled.

“Now, now, my sweet ones,” Mrs. Friedly said, “I’m afraid this really is a necessity. I know you love the costumes we’ve made, but it is simply too cold out, and you must wear your jackets.”

The children moaned and sighed, whimpered and cried. Mrs. Friedly clucked her tongue as she gathered their jackets. (more…)

I’m posting some old Mrs. Friedly stories in honor of Halloween! If you like these stories, you should definitely check out CREEPING STONES & OTHER STORIES,  a collection of short horror tales that was just released this week! You can order it here.

The Silent Auction
By Cullen Bunn

“My word, Mrs. Friedly!”  Claire tapped the tiny, elderly woman on the shoulder.  “I’ve never heard such questions in all my life!”

Mrs. Friedly turned and regarded her new neighbor over the rim of her round-framed eyeglasses.  “What’s that, dear?”

“These questions–”  Claire waved towards the gorilla-suited MC, who was busy reading trivia questions from a crumpled sheet of paper.  Behind him, a banner was tacked to the wall.  HALLOWEEN TRIVIA NIGHT, it read.  “–They’re dreadful!”

Mrs. Friedly smiled sweetly and nodded.

“OUR NEXT QUESTION …”  The MC’s voice, muffled beneath his ape mask, boomed over the microphone.  “…NAME, IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, THE VICTIMS OF JACK THE RIPPER.” (more…)

I’m posting some old Mrs. Friedly stories in honor of Halloween! If you like these stories, you should definitely check out CREEPING STONES & OTHER STORIES,  a collection of short horror tales that was just released this week! You can order it here.

Friedly’s Treats
By Cullen Bunn

Joshua hated Halloween. He once loved costumes and jack o’lanterns and candy. But now he dreaded the holiday.

Outside, trick-or-treaters giggled and climbed Mrs. Friedly’s porch steps. The shuddering knock sent shivers down Joshua’s spine. He squeezed his eyes shut.

The door creaked open. Cool air swept the foyer.

Guttural voices cried, “Trick or treat!” (more…)

I’m posting some old Mrs. Friedly stories in honor of Halloween! If you like these stories, you should definitely check out CREEPING STONES & OTHER STORIES,  a collection of short horror tales that was just released this week! You can order it here.

Gone Fishin’
By Cullen Bunn

“Another year,” Mrs. Friedly piped, “another Halloween Festival!”

The Elk Ridge Community Center was decorated with paper jack o’lanterns, dancing skeletons, and dozens of orange and black streamers. Children in costume—goblins and witches, vampires and ghouls, princesses and ninjas—scurried around the large chamber, and their laughter and squeals formed a constant din.

Mrs. Friedly clucked her tongue as she watched the children. Maybe she was old-fashioned, but some of the costumes just didn’t seem very… Halloweeny… to her. Ghouls and ghosts and monsters—those were fine. But the princesses and cowboys and monkeys just didn’t seem to fit the spirit of the occasion. Halloween, as the elderly woman saw it, was supposed to be a spooky night.

What on earth, she thought, is a ninja anyway? (more…)