I am intrigued with story tone, how just a few words can make all the difference to a story. So, for this story, I’m going to let you choose the tone. This story has four endings, all written in white font. Click the text with your left mouse button and drag to block the hidden text and reveal the ending of your choice. Then vote for your favorite.
copyright Ted Strutz
Lighting the Way Home
There is a switch in the basement unconnected to any circuit. I always leave it on, hoping that somewhere, it is connected to a light that will lead Brad back to me from beyond.
*
I am sitting in bed, the silver moon fluorescing the room through the window, when the door opens.
“You came back.” I can barely breathe from joy.
“I saw your light,” Brad said. He kisses me, but his lips are cold and I taste decay.
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1. Scary
“I came back for you,” he whispers. I jerk awake, gasping, and run to the basement, clawing at the accursed switch.
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2. Sad
“Are you real?” He doesn’t answer. I reach out and he starts to recede. “Brad!”
I wake, tears soaking my pillow.
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3. Quirky
“Are you still dead?” I ask.
He smiles sheepishly. “Yeah. Can I come to bed?”
“Fine. Brush your teeth first, though.”
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4. Silly
“I love you, Beth,” he says.
“My name is Heather,” I say.
“Shit, I got the wrong house again.” He disappears.
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