Before I Close My Eyes
The tiles. The steps. The seconds between a stranger's cigarette glowing in the dark. He hasn't slept in weeks. Maybe longer. The patterns are the only thing keeping him together. He has to get it right this time. Someone is hunting. Joe is certain of it. The only thing he can't be certain of anymore is himself.
The question isn't whether Joe is watching. It's whether the thing he's watching is real.
Content Warnings: Violence • Death • Mental Illness
Reader Reviews
6 ratings
Brandy A.
A suspenseful short story that in the end has you questioning everything. I love the storyline and how they characters met and truly felt for Joe's character. A great but heartbreaking read with added suspense!
Jenny C.
This story stressed me out! The main character has a disorder and Kay Elem depicts him so well that I started feeling neurotic! I was on edge through the whole story and now that it's over, I'm hoping for a continuation into a full novel!
Crystal O.
This had me creeped out and feeling neurotic just like the chartacter. I value my sleep.if I get very little but at least I am able to get some. This was very well written and love anything by Kay Elem. Hoping it turns into a full novel!
Katlin S.
This short story definitely gave me the creeps! Was not expecting that ending.
tanya k.
This is a wild story! It kept me on the edge of my seatuntil the end. This was a fast paced thrill ride! It makes me glad that I sleep so much!
Jen S.
Before I Close My Eyes is a novella that uses a matter-of-fact writing style to build an eerie atmosphere. The story centers on Joe, a man struggling with severe insomnia and paranoia. Watching his mental illness escalate from a distance made the narrative feel grounded and deeply tragic.
Even with such a short page count, the buildup to the twist is timed perfectly. The twist itself is solid, but the final few sentences are what really make the story memorable. Those closing lines add an entirely new layer to everything that came before, shifting the entire context right as the book ends. I recommend this book for anyone who loves an emotional read that delivers a satisfying conclusion.