Bogleech.com's 2017 Horror Write-off:

Shopkeep

Submitted by Jac R. B. (JacobGuy)

I find myself walking along a gravel covered plain.

theres nothing around for miles. Nothing.
Nothing but grey, Misty skies and more gravel.

I keep walking, not remembering anything but vague hazes of a life before. I can't even remember my name.

I turn my head and suddenly theres a little shack in my way.
I'm surprised, but only for a moment, just finding some solace in there being something else here.
I pull myself up to the counter where I'm met by some... thing.
It's body is transluscent, yet shining, as if it were gelatenous. two black, marble like objects float where eyes would be, and the whole creature is shaped overall like a man, but with a dolphin's head instead.

"Hey buddy, what'll it be?"

"uhhhh.."

looking around, I can see this is some sort of shop or stand, full of many strange trinkets and doodads who's functions I can only begin to guess at.

"got anything for... a person like me?"

the being looks me over for a moment, before speaking up.

"yeah I think I gots something for flesh things like yous"

it reaches under the counter and pulls up a small, squeaky dolphin toy

"...thanks"

"no, thank Yous for ya business. Now, to discuss payment..."

it occurs to me that I have no idea how I plan to pay, I didn't even intend to buy anything, I just needed someone to talk to.

"uuhhh... well.. you see.."

"dont tell me yous gettin squirrely on me"

"well its not that, I just uhhh.... hold on, lemme see if theres anything in here."

I check all my pockets, to find nothing, and finally I bend down to see if there might be anything in my shoes before they suddenly react with surprise.

"W-WHAT ARE YOUS DOIN HERE??"

"uuhm..?"

I look around but I don't see anyone else-

"NO I MEAN YOUS! GET OUTTA HERE WITH YOUR SELF NARRATIN SELF! I DON'T NEED THIS KINDA ATTENTION FROM YOU AND THAT THING ON YOUS BACK!"

before I can say anything they slam down the metal sheath, closing up shop.

thing on my back? what do they mean by that? I dont feel anything but a heavy anxiety on my shoulders.

with nowhere else to go, I sigh and walk off into the horizon.

Maybe some day I'll know what they meant.