Life can change in an instant, and for these characters, it's when they're just trying to make a living. But what happens when things go terribly wrong?
These four short stories take place in various locations, where people are just trying to make ends meet.
Meet the delivery driver, the woman escaping an abusive relationship, the gas station attendant, and Rachel, the manager of her sister's hotel. As these characters navigate through their ordinary lives, they soon realize the danger lurks around every corner, and it may cost them everything.
Life can change in an instant, and for these characters, it's when they're just trying to make a living. But what happens when things go terribly wrong?
These four short stories take place in various locations, where people are just trying to make ends meet.
Meet the delivery driver, the woman escaping an abusive relationship, the gas station attendant, and Rachel, the manager of her sister's hotel. As these characters navigate through their ordinary lives, they soon realize the danger lurks around every corner, and it may cost them everything.
I pulled in front of Antica Pizzeria and parked my father's gray Toyota Tacoma. It was midnight.
I looked through the customerâs note that said I needed to go inside and pick up two medium pizzas, and that the order would pay me seven bucks when I completed it. I accepted the order when Carl, the customer, assured me that heâd pay me an extra twenty bucks in cash after I delivered it. I wasnât going out for seven bucks, but twenty-seven? Make it worth my trip, Carl, and Iâll bring your pizza!
The strong scent of cigar smoke hit my nose when I entered the restaurant. There were no customers, either because of how late it was, or how shitty the place was: tables full of empty plates, and as dirty a floor as Iâd ever seen. The woman behind the counter reminded me of Aileen Wuornos: dirty yellow teeth, face made up like a street prostitute, and it was her responsible for the cigar smoke. As I walked toward her, I told her I was there for a DoorDash order.
âName?â
âFor Carl,â I said and showed her the customerâs name on my phone.
She went to the kitchen and then immediately came back with two boxes of pizza. I thanked her as I pressed the pick-up button on the app, which then gave me directions to Carlâs address. The destination was only six minutes away.
âBe careful out there, and have a good night,â the woman said.
I turned my head and nodded. Once I got inside the Toyota, I put on a playlist of heavy metal music from my phone because the CD player in the truck is shit.
I was a minute away from Carlâs address when I entered the mobile home neighborhood and saw a police car parked in the manager's parking spot. As I kept driving, I began to tremble a bit, and slowed to below the speed limit, not only due to my recently suspended license, but also because I saw a group wandering around in the road who all looked to be under ten, and neighbors were starting a street fight. It was clear this place was a freak show.
Once I arrived at Carlâs, I looked around before getting out of the truck. I heard a woman sobbing, her angry spouse beating her, and the sound of infants crying in horror from the next mobile home. I exited the truck holding Carlâs pizzas and a pocketknife I keep for protection. I heard rap music mumbling in front of me as I rang the doorbell. The music stopped abruptly, and Carl opened the door. He was a large, bald, muscular guy with piercings all over his face, wearing only a white tank top and red boxers. He gave me a frowning look, which I figured could be because I was late. He aggressively snatched the two boxes from my hands, causing two slices to fall to the ground. I put my foot in the door before he could slam it.
âHold it, hold it, whereâs the extra tip you texted you would give me?â
âExtra tip? Motherfucker, I donât owe you shit. Just because I said it doesnât mean I would.â
Before he slammed the door on me, I pushed it weakly, attempting to threaten him with my tiny knife. I was using all my strength to try and keep the door open when Carl stepped back and let it swing open wide, causing me to fall into his home. I went to the floor and he began kicking me in the abdomen, then lifted me, shoving me out onto his shitty porch before punching me in the nose, causing a huge amount of blood to stream from both nostrils. He lifted me again.
âIf you ever do that shit again, I will break your fucking head!â He hurled me onto his broken wooden staircase. As I got up, I took off my sweater to cover the blood from my nose, and, still holding the knife, I ran to my truck, jumped in, and rushed out of the neighborhood.Â
Graveyard Shifts by Jesse Mindiola
Bear witness to four different stories centered around one particular theme, horror. The acts committed by the villains are vile and reek of insanity. In comparison, those affected are just average human beings trying to live peacefully.Â
In the first story, a young man attempts to make ends meet as a delivery driver. He decides to accept a job with a guaranteed large tip that will help in his need to cover his rent payment. Unbeknownst to the driver, delivering the food is the least of his worries. A scene of calculated terror ensues as one must ask, was the money truly worth it?
Meet Bryce, your average scumbag who loves to pummel women for sport. In this next tale, we witness retribution from a woman who has endured the wrath of her boyfriend. The only issue is that he has been allowed to roam free and decides death is the only answer.
For our third tale, a kid-snatching mascot is at the forefront. Although a man of suspicion has arisen, no one truly knows who is behind the mask. A gas station attendant is met randomly with a bloodied man asking for help, and that is when the truth is revealed.
Lastly, a woman becomes the owner of a hotel. After first experiencing success and five-star reviews, suddenly things change. Hotel occupants suddenly go missing and her rising business crashes amidst the mystery. The only question now is, what is that smell coming from the kitchen?Â
The goosebumps were rising as I ventured into a universe of chaos. If someone had told me this was a script for a new "Tales from the Crypt" episode, I would have believed them. The author has succeeded in writing tantalizing bits for horror aficionados to sink their teeth into. Achieving profound success in depicting extremely varied tragedies with the appropriate outcomes.
Finally, with the covers pulled up to my eyes, I took a moment to reflect on my journey through Nightmaresville. Although short, it was a frightening experience. My advice to anyone reading it would be to keep the lights on. It is highly recommended for those who love the adrenaline rush that comes with being afraid. I am giving this book a rating of 4 out of 5 starsâ