Desolate: An Embers Short Story

by Kenneth W. Cain

A horrible infection has fallen over a desolate town in this short horror story.

The townsfolk are forced into action to protect themselves from further outbreaks caused by an addicting berry that grows amongst the base of large boulders.

When Emmie returns home to find one of The Lost in her backyard, she suspects the strange berries have grown back, but confronting this horrible human creature unfolds a great realization—one that would challenge her beliefs of The Lost.

This story is merely a glimpse of Kenneth W. Cain's work, so if you enjoy “Desolate,” be sure to pick up Kenneth's Embers: A Collection of Dark Fiction, available from Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

23 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2018

About the author

Kenneth W. Cain first got the itch for storytelling during his formative years in the suburbs of Chicago, where he got to listen to his grandfather spin tales by the glow of a barrel fire. But it was a reading of Baba Yaga that grew his desire for dark fiction. Shows like The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and One Step Beyond furthered that sense of wonder for the unknown, and he’s been writing ever since.

Cain is the author of The Saga of I trilogy, United States of the Dead, the short story collections These Old Tales and Fresh Cut Tales, and the forthcoming Embers: A Collection of Dark Fiction. Writing, reading, fine art, graphic design, and Cardinals baseball are but a few of his passions. Cain now resides in Chester County, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Zain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Seedpocalypse?

With mysterious berries appearing throughout the world, many people are addicted. If the berries are no longer available, the addicted becomes sick and violent.

Emmie’s little brother gets a taste of the berries when he is ten years old. Quickly addicted, he is unable to control the sickness and the violence when he is deprived of the berries. His mother becomes his next meal.

After his disappearing for three years, Emmie sees someone who looks like David, out in the backyard. Though her father has told her to get him immediately, if David returns, Emmie wants to get a closer look.

While he’s eating away at something in the yard, she sneaks closer for a look. She wants to be sure it is him...

[Angela Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect little horror story. Puzzlement followed by suspense as the truth begins to dawn. Genuinely creepy. Well worth a read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short horror story, a recommended read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story, one of my favorites in the collection. Creepy and heart-breaking at the same time. The collection "Embers" has several of this kind of story and I really enjoyed them.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I'M CREEPED OUT

OMG I am soooooo creeped out. Short, disturbing story with a kick a** ending, making me want more by this author.
Offering this story free was a great marketing ploy, and a wonderful way to introduce the author.

[Langel Catan · Rating 4 out of 5]

New life for the Zombie genre?

[James Klabunde · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short short story.

I don't know if it was me or if this story was poorly constructive. I knew after reading the first paragraph how this story would end and what was happening. So far the weakest of any of the tales.