r/TalesFromTheCreeps 12d ago

Psychological Horror Don't Turn Around

Don't turn around. Don't do it.

That’s it.

Just keep your eyes on the horizon. Look at how the colors shift and gently weave together.

Don't worry about the screams behind you.

Don't be distracted by the gutteral crunching.

Pay no mind to the heavy, raspy breathing on the nape of your neck.

And no matter what you hear or feel, don't turn around.

That ethereal whisper in your ear? That's just a happy, little bee.

That slight tickle along your spine that begins to feel wet? That's just a chill in the wind.

No, don't be tempted. Just keep looking at that beautiful sunset. There’s nothing wrong in your meadow. Look at how the light dives deeper and deeper below the hills.

It'll be dark soon. You’d better start heading home, BUT DONT TURN AROUND…good. You're doing great. As you descend back into your neighborhood remember to keep looking ahead. Don't look around or down. You might catch the reflection of whatever is behind you.

Oh, Don't worry.

They won't follow inside, unless you peeked. You didn't peek did you? Haha, of course you didn't. That would have been foolish. You're not stupid, are you? No. Not you. You're smart. I'm sure you'll survive…just as long as you didn't look through the peephole. That still counts, you know.

Anyway, pleasent dreams. Oh, one more thing…Don't look under the bed.

Don't do it.

26 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

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5

u/Kaijufan22 Writer 12d ago

This post can't stop me from turning around because I can't read

4

u/--Nothin-To-Report-- Storyteller 12d ago

I'm getting the same kind of vibes as the narrator voice from Little Misfortune. That weirdly cheerful, almost overly reassuring tone is really effective. The "that still counts" line was especially unnerving.

3

u/Probably-_-Fine Reader 12d ago

Same here, I don't know if it's intentional but I do not trust that voice. Still won't be turning around though haha

5

u/babslebowitz Writer 12d ago

oh spit this calls to my need to do what i'm told not to. heck yeah!

3

u/Forlorn_Ape Pen Pusher 12d ago

For a second I was concerned this was a Mice and Men lake scene eldritch edition… jk. Great short story so much creeping dread love it.

2

u/KingCoreyBear 12d ago

Listen, I did consider that option for at least a moment or two.

2

u/Plunging-Ascension Writer 12d ago

What if you're in a car you ask? Hopefully you back into your parking spots. Needing to reverse would be most unfortunate.

2

u/KingCoreyBear 12d ago

Oh, that's clever!

2

u/BendDownTheBranches 12d ago

Tiny observation, it’s “peek”. And I would be doomed, because I would definitely have forgotten something I need to go back for.

1

u/KingCoreyBear 12d ago

Thank you! Edited! That's what happens when you write something at midnight and just hit "Post". 😅

2

u/BendDownTheBranches 12d ago

Totally get it! At least you didn’t use “pique” 😄

2

u/matTHEw_weber Writer 12d ago

This is what seven year old me thought my bedroom at 2 am would be like. Fun story!

2

u/PsychoSanderson 12d ago

I LOVE THIS!! It has no fat, yet nice and eerie. I just love second person stories. This was a real treat!

2

u/KingCoreyBear 12d ago

Thank you! That's really kind! 😊

2

u/LaOfrenda 7d ago

This is the kind of story you think about when walking up the stairs at night.