The Darkness

Four years of active duty ends just in time to bury Pappy. A story about coming home, grief, and the darkness that waits there.

Time to Listen

I finished four years of active duty just in time to bury my Pappy.

The news reached me three months ago, four days before I was scheduled to leave active service and transition into the Individual Ready Reserve. I had already packed most of my belongings and was counting the hours until I could finally escape Twenty-nine Palms when a letter arrived from my parents.

Pappy had died peacefully in his sleep.

At least, that was what everyone believed at the time.

My parents said his death was caused by complications connected to his military service. That explanation made sense. Pappy had spent years breathing smoke, chemicals, and whatever else drifted through the jungles of Vietnam. His lungs had never fully recovered.

Still, the news hit me harder than I expected.

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Quick answers about The Darkness

What is The Darkness about?

Four years of active duty ends just in time to bury Pappy. A story about coming home, grief, and the darkness that waits there.

Is The Darkness free to read?

Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

How long does it take to read?

This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.

Who wrote it?

Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.