Thanatophobia by Gerhard Jason Geick

I don't think this would have looked out of place in Harlan Ellison's legendary DANGEROUS VISIONS anthology

You just can't tell with Geick; there's no way of knowing what you're in for when you read him, and this latest entry in his PHOBIA series is further proof of his unpredictability. This time around its a slice-of-life piece set in a dystopian future, with a profound air of melancholia about it... which makes the slug to the stomach, when it comes, all the more pronounced.

Another Homerun

Are you afraid to die? Do you enjoy stories of yesteryear with your families? Do you enjoy traumatizing your children? Then this one is for you! As per usual, Geick gives us more than we bargained for in this short. His series is one of my favorites and for good reason. The writing flows seamlessly between each installment that they feel cohesive even though they have nothing to do with each other. A definite must read. 5/5 totems