Book cover for "The Guardian" by Mikael Short, featuring the dark silhouette of the Grim Reaper under a large full moon and a stormy night sky.
Book cover for "The Guardian" by Mikael Short, featuring the dark silhouette of the Grim Reaper under a large full moon and a stormy night sky.

The Guardian ~ A Short Story

$1.11

Where do you go when your own time is up, but the work isn't finished?

For one year, the recently deceased Shannon Barnard must take up a heavy, unthinkable mantle: the Grim Reaper itself. As the new Guardian of Souls, he is responsible for directing the spirits who pass through his lonely, mist-shrouded cemetery toward a final divide in the woods. Torn between the echoes of the living and the pull of the dead, Shannon is left with a solitary, haunting question… Which way will he go when his own "grim" residency comes to an end?

Where do you go when your own time is up, but the work isn't finished?

For one year, the recently deceased Shannon Barnard must take up a heavy, unthinkable mantle: the Grim Reaper itself. As the new Guardian of Souls, he is responsible for directing the spirits who pass through his lonely, mist-shrouded cemetery toward a final divide in the woods. Torn between the echoes of the living and the pull of the dead, Shannon is left with a solitary, haunting question… Which way will he go when his own "grim" residency comes to an end?

 

📖 Step Inside the Story:

  • The Premise: A newly departed soul is forced into a one-year residency as the ferryman of the dead, navigating the thin line between purgatory and peace.

  • The Intrigue: A deeply atmospheric exploration of the human heart, unconditional love, and a striking spiritual choice: light or darkness?

  • Perfect For: Readers who love the philosophical depth of Mitch Albom, the eerie yet beautiful world-building of V.E. Schwab, or any story that challenges our perceptions of life, death, and what lies beyond.

💬 What Readers Are Saying:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "YOUR BOOK IS INCREDIBLE! #allthefeels Seriously one of the top short stories I’ve read."

— Jackie P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Love was deeply deconstructed across the realm of human life, purgatory, and the other side... If you find yourself having a battle with the world, or within yourself, this short story will assist in the unfolding of your Light again."

— Jenn W., Amazon Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved it! Such a cool twist."

— Amanda L.

🔍 Sneak Peek: Read the Opening Lines

“Forget your past life. Forget what you think you know. You will stay here for a years’ time. When the final spirit has awoken and taken your place, your residency will end. Until then, you are the Guardian, the keeper of souls. Guide them to where they belong . . .”

Those were the last words Shannon remembered hearing from the shadows before he opened his eyes. Looking down, he found his hands were nothing but moonlit white bone. In one hand, a long, curved blade of a scythe lay bloodless . . .

Tap "Begin Reading" above to download the ZIP file and cross the veil into Shannon's story.

🎧 The Perfect Reading Ritual:

🍂 Mikael’s Recommendation: Find a quiet, solitary spot near a window on a cloudy afternoon. Pour a dark roast coffee or an earthy herbal tea, load up the ePub on your favorite device, and let yourself cross the threshold into Shannon's underworld.

Get Your Copy of The Guardian today…

  • The Investment: $1.11

  • The Format: Instant digital download (.zip file containing both PDF & ePub versions for the e-reader of your choice).

  • The Vibe: Mythic magical realism, speculative fiction, poignant autumn mystery, and a deeply soulful look at life and the choices we leave behind.