‘A Cold Day in Hell’ By Annie-Kate Bradley

This is a short story about two brothers, betrayal, and karma.

Once a millennia, Hell freezes over forming an ice bridge between this world and the next.

Fin drives across this bridge into Hell to visit his brother, Hebi. When Fin makes it back to his car to leave, he realizes he’s forgotten his keys. His only way out of Hell is right in front of him but completely out of reach. He’s painfully aware that the ice bridge is melting.

He thinks about Hebi who is trapped in Hell because Fin tricked him and ultimately trapped him. Hebi hates him for this, so he knows getting the keys back will be a challenge.

But the bridge is melting fast so he has no choice. He goes back for the keys.

Hebi murders Fin, stepping over his body and out the open door. He takes Fin’s keys, steals his car, and starts driving to the boarder.

He thinks about Fin who is dead in Hell because he tricked him and ultimately trapped him. Hebi reveals that the original crime was always his. He manipulated Fin into thinking it was his fault. Hebi knew Fin’s bleeding heart would make him visit and give Hebi an escape route.

When Hebi makes it to the boarder to leave, he realizes the bridge has already melted. His only way out of Hell is right in front of him but completely out of reach. Like the water falling from the ice, his tears fall into the magma sea. He realizes he’s truly trapped for Eternity.

Vote for this Short Story

  • *One Vote per person - duplicate and suspect votes will be deleted
  • Your vote authorizes SOOP to inform you about the progress of this literary work, along with exclusive content and services for your consideration.

Voting Status

Countdown to 500

497

votes remaining

  • 25 Votes – Qualified for Contest / Manuscript Review
  • 200 Votes – Eligibility for a reader newsletter feature
  • 500 Votes – Eligibility for a double royalty

*More than 25 votes are not needed, but are encouraged, and will earn you additional benefits

MENU

Something or Other Publishing, LLC