As part of Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, Scott Bailey‘s Cycles plunges readers into a chilling exploration of life, death, and the endless loops that can trap restless spirits. This gripping short story combines dark humour with a creeping sense of dread, taking readers on an unsettling journey through the eyes of three motorcyclists who find themselves caught in a ghostly cycle.
The narrative opens with an eerie stillness: three figures lying lifeless on a rain-soaked street. It doesn’t take long before the grim reality settles in—Gary, Tony, and Ray are dead. As they navigate their new existence, they discover both the absurdities and horrors of their predicament. From voyeuristic escapades to haunting old stomping grounds, their bravado begins to crumble as they encounter the grim truth of the graveyard: a cycle of torment that has no escape.
What makes Cycles truly memorable is the subtle way it shifts from dark comedy to existential horror. Bailey masterfully balances the camaraderie and banter of the three friends with the growing weight of their eternal fate. The story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the consequences of recklessness and the haunting permanence of unfinished business.
If you’re drawn to tales that unsettle and linger long after the last page, Cycles is a must-read. It’s a reminder that even in death, we might not escape the consequences of life—or ourselves.
Discover more haunting tales in Thirteen Tales of Ghosts here! Prepare to lose yourself in stories that walk the fine line between the living and the dead.
Scott Andrew Bailey - Author 