Richard sulks on the edge of the bed. Amber tries to cheer him up. It’s their wedding night.
It was a beautiful wedding, nice and traditional. Amber chose a quaint little church. They rode in a horse-drawn carriage rather than a limo. There are only two more things left to do.
Of course, these days, a pregnant wife can have groceries delivered, and there’s no longer any need to use the body from her dead husband. Nevertheless, there’s still tradition.
Thoughts:
This chilling little tale is finely crafted at look tradition a relic of need. The reader feels sorry for Richard, even if he’s whiney. Amber’s actions, sociopathic in other contexts appear rational and part of accepted of a social norm, although not necessary.
There is a nice little twist at the end.
I liked this story.
The story can be read here.
Bio:
According to his blurb, author Todd Wells is a father of three. He plays upright bass in a rockabilly band. His work has appeared in Funny in Five Hundred, 365 Tomorrows, and AntipodeanSF.