Marcus grows up believing his father is a murderer who killed his mother, but his father insists a supernatural monster dragged her under the bed. To survive into adulthood, Marcus follows a strict set of rules: he never lets his limbs hang over the edge of the mattress and always keeps the floor clear of clutter. When he visits his dying father in prison, the old man warns him that the creature is still hungry. Marcus must decide if his lifelong caution is a symptom of inherited trauma or a necessary defense against a physical predator that hunts from the shadows beneath his bedframe.
Horror fans who enjoy urban legends and childhood fears will find this story examines how superstition functions as a survival mechanism. Readers learn how a simple nursery tale can dictate an entire lifestyle and warp a person's sense of safety. The narrative provides a visceral look at the psychological toll of hyper-vigilance, leaving the reader with a renewed sense of unease regarding the dark spaces in their own bedrooms. It serves those looking for a quick, claustrophobic experience centered on the concept of domestic invasion.
- Published
- 2023
- Language
- EN
