Hungry Business

Hungry Business
A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie
 
The opportunity to read this short story came my way and I have to be honest, I jumped at it just because of the title.  Hungry Business just sounds like a horror story, doesn’t it?  I thought so, which is why I decided to read this story.  At such a short length of twelve to fifteen pages, this is an easy, quick read for those that just want a little taste of horror before going back to work or retiring to bed.
 
The only things I am willing to tell you in detail about this tale is that it involves a vicious contagion, intermingling of the infected and healthy and wait what’s this---dating in such a world.  Yes, dating.  I know, I am not a fan of romance in horror (or war stories, just to be completely honest, it always feels like they chose to ruin a perfectly good horror or war movie/story with a sappy love story, but I’m getting side tracked).  
 
I didn’t know when I started reading it that there would be anything about dating or relationships in there but it didn’t dissuade me from continuing to read on when I came upon the topic.  I was exceptionally surprised and pleased at how skillfully the author laced all the elements of the story together.  And the dating is an essential piece to this story.  But it’s not anything like what I am used to when romance is thrown in so, it was a refreshing use of an age-old story topic.
 
I also felt that while this story is obviously fiction, it read as somewhat metaphorical as well.  I personally enjoyed this as it allows for the reader to explore various interpretations in their own mind and decide what the story means in their eyes.  Conversely, if the reader does not go the route of analyzing the metaphorical aspect, it is still a superb tale of horror, woe and survival.  I was also shocked at the amount of information DeBlassie was able to pour into only about fifteen pages.  Every single page is essential to the tale and this, in my opinion, is what allows the story to progress so quickly and keep the reader enthralled at the same time.  I think any horror lover would like this tantalizing tidbit for a quick horror snack.
 
RATINGS
5/5 Stars