Helen's Story by Kate DeJonge

Helen was the ultimate 1950s wife, catering to her husband Ronald's every need while minding the children and running the household. Decades later, it's been a year since Ronald mysteriously disappeared, and the police are no closer to having answers for Helen. Distraught and missing her husband terribly, Helen lives every day preparing for his return. The fridge must be stocked with his favourite food, his shirts pressed exactly as he likes, and the bedding fresh. Everything must be in its place when he returns. Or else. Ronald has a temper, and as his dutiful wife Helen has always taken his beatings to be part of her job, but some lumps can be avoided if she maintains his home to his liking.

With the anniversary of his disappearance approaching, Helen's mind begins to unravel. Horrifying hallucinations plague her, and she's losing large blocks of time. She mustn't tell anyone, though; Ronald would not be pleased. Her daughter thinks she's delusional and wants her to get help. When a neighbour witnesses the house shaking and roaring, though, Helen gains an ally. Maybe it's not all in her head, after all. But what is haunting her with such viciousness, and where is Ronald?

16,000 Words