Becoming Benjamin

by Brandon Eldridge

It’s 1999, and high school senior Ethan Combes is just trying to make it to graduation when his world shatters—his best friend Benjamin is killed in a sudden car crash. The loss is devastating, but it’s only the beginning.

After the funeral, Ethan is invited to Benjamin’s house for dinner. The night takes a strange turn when Benjamin’s mother makes an unsettling “Would you mind wearing Benjamin’s shirt while we eat?”

What begins as an awkward favor slowly unravels into something far darker. As Ethan becomes more entangled in the grieving family's rituals, he starts to question their true intentions—and his own identity.

In a chilling exploration of grief, obsession, and the terrifying lengths to which love can stretch, Becoming Benjamin How far would you go to keep someone alive? There is nothing like a Mother's love.

21 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisted little story of a mother's grief or is it? A very fast-paced read, with a twist you won't see coming.

"I've decided I'm going to keep you.."

[Crysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like the pacing of this book was fast, but it was perfect. In the beginning I was heartbroken. The grief and devastation of Ethan and Benjamin's parents was heavy and real. When the vibes shifted to unease and disturbing, questions began to flood my mind about what could possibly be happening. What happened threw me for a loop. I devoured the book; the descriptions were gruesome. I was left shocked. Although the ending feels a little rushed, I was left feeling that there were no loose ends. I will definitely be reading more of Brandon Eldridge.

[Reagan Carmichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea of this book is great, the pacing at the start is good and keeps you interested but with it being such a short story the full potential isn’t reached. The ending feels almost rushed and if it were longer the story would have more time to develop which could’ve dived deeper into the mothers ‘grief’ and just more to the story overall. While the book is good and the idea is great I just wish it was longer.

[Melanie Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hide yo kids! This is an interesting story about grief, wait. Is it though? Maybe it's an interesting story about a mother plotting to have the family she always wanted. Oh what a twisty turney little gem. Why don't you pick it up? It's a nice little read to get you familiar with Mr. Eldridge! Sorry about your luck Benjamin.

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief works in mysterious ways so they say, but is it really grief or is it guilt? 17 year old Ethan lost his best friend Benjamin to a car accident, but when Benjamin's parents ask him to come to dinner things escalate in a surreal way that will leave Ethan scarred for life. Wow this was phenomenal, I was hooked.👏🏼 Fantastic!

[Milt Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on what appears to be mother's grief, but turns out to be something else entirely. The ending could have been less cozy and more bloody, though as psychological horror it's not bad at all.

[Khaotic_Khaleesi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well… that was NOT expected. Holy shite. While it may be a short story, Brandon was able to make you think while punching you in the gut and smacking your face, all at once. Nice job, man! I can’t wait to get into the others

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg 😱 Brandon Eldridge. A nightmare following a nightmare. Great story and highly recommend.

[JennyBrown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this chapbook about the aftermath of the death of a 17-year-old. The twist was unexpected & really fun!

[Erica Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of grief & what a mother would do to have her son!

[Scott Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short, read grabs you by the collar from the first page and won’t let you go till the last page, full of building, dread and unease from page one to the end!

[Kathy Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Loved this book. It was a quick read, but really kept me engaged the whole time. I do recommend it.

[M. Clay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is fast-paced. In my opinion, it could have been longer. I think the story had a lot of potential, and the ending felt rushed. Overall, it's not a bad short story.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and haunting tale that goes from 0-100mph at the end. Can’t wait to read more from Eldridge!