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Ray Bradbury: The Lake

“The Lake” is a short, moving story by Ray Bradbury, published in May 1944 in Weird Tales magazine. The story follows Harold, a boy who makes his last visit to Lake Michigan before moving to the western United States. During that visit, he wanders away from his mother to remember his friend Tally, who disappeared in the lake a year earlier. Years later, Harold, now an adult and married, returns to the place of his childhood with his wife, unaware that fate has an unsettling and revealing experience in store for him.

Ursula K. Le Guin: The White Donkey

The White Donkey is a short story by Ursula K. Le Guin, published in 1980 in the magazine TriQuarterly. The story follows Sita, a young woman who takes her goats to graze in the forest, where she discovers a mysterious white donkey with a horn on its forehead. Fascinated by its elegance and uniqueness, Sita visits it daily, offering flowers and sharing moments of silent companionship. As her bond with the animal grows stronger, at Sita’s home, her parents decide her fate.

Algernon Blackwood: The Empty House

The Empty House is a chilling narrative by Algernon Blackwood, first published in 1906. The narrative examines the terror that arises from a seemingly innocuous location, yet one that is burdened with a sinister history. Jim Shorthouse accompanies his aunt, Julia, a paranormal enthusiast, on an investigation conducted at night within a house that has been the subject of rumour and speculation regarding its supposed curse. Despite the dwelling’s unremarkable appearance, those who visit it report an inexplicable sense of dread. As the couple progresses in their investigation, the atmosphere becomes increasingly oppressive, and the phenomena they encounter not only challenge their understanding but also threaten to erode their resolve.