Bedlam

David Gearing presents a twisted thriller novella in Bedlam that intertwines two distinct narratives. Jennifer Zell contends with a childhood imaginary friend who has tasted blood and now craves more, leaving her feeling powerless against this supernatural threat. Simultaneously, Matthew Yorke, an officer turned desk jockey, holds firm beliefs in Big Foot, UFOs, and Area 51. When a misplaced file lands on his desk, he views it as a chance for redemption despite being the laughingstock of his office. The story operates within the horror and supernatural fiction traditions, focusing on psychological tension and unexplained phenomena. Gearing structures the novella to alternate between these two perspectives, creating a bloody narrative that challenges the boundary between mental instability and paranormal reality. The work draws on folklore elements associated with cryptids and extraterrestrial theories, grounding them in a modern bureaucratic setting. This approach appeals to readers who enjoy short, intense horror stories involving both internal demons and external conspiracies. It may not suit those seeking lengthy epics or purely rational explanations for strange events. Gearing qualifies as an author who blends the mundane with the macabre, using the office environment as a backdrop for supernatural dread. The novella format allows for a rapid escalation of tension without unnecessary filler. Readers looking for a concise, unsettling experience will find this work aligns with their preferences for direct, visceral storytelling.