2024 NATIONAL MEDAL
for Museum and Library Service Finalist

The Hole

The Hole by Shikhar Dixit (a Short Story Contest entry) 

Jake discovered the hole on Saturday. Behind the recliner, a circular tunnel in sheetrock vanished into shadow.

That night, a sound awoke him: Was it the scrabbling of rodents in the hole? 

Was it thundering … inside?

It reminded him of a rabid bear, years ago. Jake took down the lockbox. Inserted a fresh magazine into the Glock.

In the living room, he met It.

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They found him Tuesday. On account of the odor ...