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Ready for a Really Hot Time?

A letter from Beyond

By Dana CrandellPublished 3 months ago 2 min read
Top Story - October 2025
Ready for a Really Hot Time?
Photo by Marino Linic on Unsplash

Dear Michael,

I am writing you to inform you that I am aware of all your indiscretions via the internet and I am prepared to expose them to your wife and both your families.

Allow me to explain. I am what's known as a hacker, and I was able to gain access to both your laptop screen and web cam. I have recorded your activities on various websites and the disgusting acts you performed on yourself while watching the videos they offered. The clips that featured BDS&M were particularly revolting and, it seems, very stimulating for you.

I'm sure you can imagine the reactions from your loved ones when I expose your deprivation. Rest assured, I have researched your background thoroughly and have gathered all the necessary contact information. I've also taken steps to cover my tracks, so don't bother trying to trace my identity. Please know that if you try to go to the authorities, I will know, and the videos will immediately be released to your loved ones.

Fortunately, you can prevent this. You have 24 hours from the time you read this letter to send $3,000 in Bitcoin to

Okay, okay, wait - I just can't. I'm cracking up, imagining the look on your face right now. I'm just fucking with you, buddy. It's me, your old pal, George. Yeah, the one that died in that nasty car crash last year. Don't try to figure out how it's happening, just accept that it's possible to do all kinds of things from down here.

Yeah, I'm in that place. Turns out there really are penalties for things like cheating on your wife and lying on your tax return. Trust me, it's not any fun. On the other hand, it's not quite as final as advertised. There are ways to -pardon the expression – redeem yourself, and you, my friend, are my project.

Beelzebub, or “Bub”, as we like to call him (not to his face, of course, which by the way, you really don't want to see up close) assigned me to haunt you. Sucks for both of us, I know, but it is what it is. You're my shot at getting out of here. But keep in mind, I'm trying to save your ass, too.

So here's the bottom line, buddy. Get your shit together. Get off the porn sites and find something else to do with your free time. Do I really have to say, “or else”? Don't make me sink any lower than I already have. (Pun intended.)

See ya! (It's up to you where.)

***

My last-minute entry to this fun challenge:

Thanks for reading!

Microfiction

About the Creator

Dana Crandell

Dad, Stepdad, Grandpa, Husband, lover of Nature and dogs.

Poet, Writer, Editor, Photographer, Artist and Tech/Internet nerd.

My first published poetry collection: Life, Love & Ludicrosity

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Top insights

  1. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  2. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

  3. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

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Comments (31)

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  • Andrea Corwin 2 months ago

    Oh my, this is so funny and clever! The nickname Bub and the telling him like it is - get your shit together, 😂 The ending is perfect! Congratulations 🎊🎉🎈

  • Tiffany Gordon2 months ago

    Brilliant work Dana! Very clever & entertaining! Congrats on your win!

  • JBaz2 months ago

    Congratulations Dana, I felt thus was a winner when I first read it. I loved this one, taking us down one thread then veering sharply to expose the ‘hacker’ . I like the humor mixed with this.

  • Marie Wilson2 months ago

    Congratulations!!

  • Mackenzie Davis2 months ago

    Ooh, this is clever, funny, and has enough of a dark threat to be disturbing too. I really love that reveal, btw. You'd think there'd be relief, but the fact that George is...where he is...made it worse. (In the best way.) What a great entry and a worthy win, Dana! Congratulations!!!

  • Raymond G. Taylor2 months ago

    I loved this story and the moral behind it. A timely reminder not just from beyond the grave but below it! Terrific! Congratulations on your win Dana

  • Rachel Robbins2 months ago

    Congratulations! A worthy winner!

  • Thank you for your entry, Dana!

  • Novel Allen2 months ago

    Last minute but just in time for TS. I hope someone hacks the hacker, see how they like it.

  • Lamar Wiggins2 months ago

    So glad you decided to join in, Dana! And congrats on your TS!

  • Leslie Writes3 months ago

    Very clever twist!

  • Marilyn Glover3 months ago

    Haunting and hysterical, Dana. I loved this. "Get off the porn." I can imagine some sad soul's face reading the beginning of that letter. Congratulations on your top story, and best of luck to you in the challenge!

  • Test3 months ago

    Ha! I love this. Great piece and good luck in the challenge! 🙂

  • ThatWriterWoman3 months ago

    I love the thought of a friend being assigned to haunt the MC!

  • Alice Garry3 months ago

    Your story was wonderful, and it gave me some fresh ideas I’d be happy to share.

  • Lana V Lynx3 months ago

    Such a cool letter, Dana, well-deserving a top story!

  • Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊

  • Sean A.3 months ago

    A lot of fun! Great job!

  • Dana, this is a hoot...I would love to see you do more. His response and follow-ups...Great work and congratulations

  • Sara Wilson3 months ago

    Back to tell you congrats for your well deserved top story!!

  • Paul Stewart3 months ago

    Woo back to say well done on Top Story

  • Harbor Benassa3 months ago

    What a fun one! I like how you used such a short form challenge to insinuate a longer story. Glad to read your work again!

  • C. Rommial Butler3 months ago

    Well-wrought! However, I should think cheating taxes might, at least in some circumstances, get us into Heaven!

  • Sandy Gillman3 months ago

    This one had me hooked from the start. I love how it went from pure tension to hysterical relief in seconds!

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