15 Greatest Stephen King Short Stories Of All Time

6. Under The Weather

stephen king
Scribner

Though previously mentioned 1922 is a stunning narrative achievement, Under the Weather (a bonus story in a later addition of the collection) is the best tale in Full Dark, No Stars. Sporting a seemingly simple premise and a darkly funny unreliable narrator to boot, it starts off unassuming enough, but hides a devastating twist that the author creates staggeringly well.

Told from the perspective of advertiser Brad, Under the Weather follows his days at work whilst his wife lies in bed, recovering from an illness. Brad recalls his life with his wife, from when they met to their shared holidays, all the while going about his jobs and looking after their pet dog.

Though the story sounds slightly lackluster on paper, it features numerous teasers and moments of foreshadowing that hide a morbid truth about the pair's relationship. The final twist is so well hidden that it comes as a complete gut-punch, and is guaranteed to stay with you long after you're finished reading.

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