Unholy Trinity: Neighborhood by J.M. Van Horn

Our church worships at the altar of the Unholy Trinity. Its gospels are delivered as a trio of dark drabbles, linked so that Three become One. All hail the power of the Three.

Brother

Sarah groaned in frustration when a tug on her ankle jerked her out of her dream. A good dream. It wasn’t every day she had a chance to hang with favorite singer. 

The covers were pushed back and she rubbed away the sleep her eyes. She saw who woke her up.

A young boy with red hair and freckles smiled. “Moring sis. Time to get up.”  He tugged on her ankle again before dating out of the room.  

She watched him leave, not trying to move out of the bed. Unsure what to do because she didn’t have a brother. 

Parents

Danny was up earlier than normal but Saturday morning cartoons wouldn’t be missed. Walking past his parents’ door, a crashing noise startled him. Curiosity got the better of him. Danny leaned to get a better look through the door’s gap. 

Two figures swayed in the middle of the room. They looked like his parents, except for now hair and severely wrinkled skin, like they had been in the tub for too long. 

Danny gasped. The things heard him and shambled toward him. He stumbled back to his room to call someone for help. Maybe Sarah would know what to do.

Ward

The squeak of the bed springs brought Trevor out of his slumber. His ward was awake, perhaps from a bad dream. 

The weight shifted as the young one twisted and turned a few times before flopping down on the mattress.

Trevor wiggled his tentacles around the small form, hoping to bring it comfort with slight vibrations. The young human would be back to sleep soon, then he could sneak out to look for them. Those who could change forms.

He would do whatever it took to protect his ward. They would find it difficult to take control of the neighborhood. 

J.M. Van Horn

 J.M. Van Horn thwarts criminals during the day and writes a blend of horror and urban fantasy at night. His incredible wife and amazing son are his driving force along with the absolutely absurd dreams and/or nightmares that help fuel him. There are endless levels of horror and you should take time to explore them.

His published works can be found in places like Sirens Call, Erie Tales, and Ghostlight, the Magazine of Terror. You can find more information about him at his Linktree page.

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