I Should Get My Axe

by Patch Kolan

"I’d just passed the sixth month of my tenth year. For my birthday, I wanted two a Silver Flyer with the white lightning bolt sticker on the frame, and a helmet. In reality, I didn’t want the helmet, but I figured if I asked for the helmet along with the bike, I might convince my parents that I was mature and responsible enough to own such an expensive – and adult even, to me anyway at the time – present.

What I got instead was an axe.

An axe and a promise."

Acclaimed author Patch Kolan (Dusklight Falling) delivers a love letter to 1960s American Gothic with his latest short story, I Should Get My Axe.

Take a walk in the woods. Just don't forget to bring your axe.

28 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2024

Reviews

[Mikaela Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. I know everyone claims “Must read for fans of Stephen King”, but this legitimately is like old school King. It’s a quick read but it was such a joy to read and I really hope Patch extends it. I could fly through a chunky book of if I Should Get My Axe!

Five stars and worth every single one.

[Lily O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short read. I haven't always been a fan of this type of horror, but Patch really captured the starkness of adult rationalism and unfairness against the face of wide-eyed imaginative innocence. There's actually a lot going on in this short story, and I was left impressed by all of the pieces I could take away from it. This fable made me feel nostalgic for a time I wasn't alive, and a part of the world I have never visited, and served as an inner reflection and future warning about protecting what's good, or else it will protect itself.

[Mario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely got King vibes reading this!

[Sarah Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge fan of suburban horror and this hit the spot.

[Patch Kolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this. I endorse this.