Undead

Claudia dies alone in her apartment, leaving her body beside bloodstains on the carpet. She continues her daily routine as an undead spirit, expecting invisibility. At work, her coworkers see and hear her, treating her as if she is still alive. This unexpected visibility allows Claudia to finally act without restraint. The novella by Mae MacCallum explores this strange freedom before a terrifying angel introduces her to the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick-maker. These figures force Claudia into a choice that will define her afterlife. This ghost story novella draws on classic folklore traditions involving supernatural entities and moral reckoning. MacCallum structures the narrative around Claudia’s transition from death to a state of undead existence. The plot hinges on the interaction between the protagonist and these specific archetypal characters. Readers who enjoy short, atmospheric tales with gothic undertones will find this work suitable. Those preferring long epics or non-fiction may not connect with this condensed format. The story examines the consequences of sudden death and the loss of human anonymity. It utilizes the trope of the undead protagonist to explore themes of freedom and judgment. The inclusion of the butcher, baker, and candlestick-maker references traditional nursery rhyme imagery recontextualized for horror. MacCallum’s background in horror writing informs the tone and pacing of this novella.