Cemetery Mornings and Memories

Audrey Myers, a seventy-six-year-old woman, begins her day with a cherished ritual: visiting the grave of her son, William, in Marrow Falls Cemetery. The morning is peaceful, filled with her quiet reflections and conversations with the dead. Audrey's grief is deep but familiar, and she finds solace in these moments. Her connection to William is palpable, and she shares news of her grandson Franklin's achievements, her voice a blend of pride and lingering sorrow. This tranquil routine is disrupted when a mysterious young man named Leon appears, carrying a black suitcase. His presence is unsettling yet oddly comforting, and he claims to have been drawn to Audrey for reasons he can't fully explain. Their encounter is charged with an eerie sense of fate, setting the stage for the supernatural events to come.

Fractured Friendships, Hidden Pain

Nell Parrish, fourteen, walks through town with her friend Lisa, their conversation laced with tension. Lisa has recently returned after a traumatic event, and though Nell is relieved to have her back, a wedge of secrecy and pain divides them. Lisa's answers are evasive, her demeanor distant, and Nell struggles with guilt for not being there when Lisa needed her most. The shadow of an unnamed trauma hangs over their friendship, and Nell's attempts to reach out are met with resistance. The chapter explores the delicate balance between wanting to help and respecting boundaries, as well as the silent burdens that teenagers often carry alone. Their dynamic is a microcosm of the book's larger themes: grief, isolation, and the desperate need for connection.

Algebra, Grief, and Ghosts

Franklin Myers, Audrey's grandson, returns home elated after conquering his algebra struggles, only to find his grandmother in a state of inexplicable, overwhelming grief. The family is thrown into confusion as Audrey's sobbing becomes relentless, and Franklin's grandfather is at a loss. The emotional weight in the house is suffocating, and Franklin's concern for his grandmother is tinged with fear—her pain is so intense it seems almost supernatural. This chapter highlights the intergenerational impact of loss and the way unresolved grief can haunt the living. The Myers family's struggle is a poignant reminder of how the past lingers, shaping the present in ways both visible and unseen.

Hux's Haunted Past

Hux, a being transformed by the Void, sits in his attic surrounded by tokens of his lost humanity: a wooden block, a winter glove, sunglasses. Each object is a memory, a wound. Hux's longing for his former life—his son Nathan, his wife Elaine—is palpable, but guilt and fear keep him from seeking them out. He debates whether to ask Tessie, a friend with supernatural abilities, to help him find Elaine. The chapter delves into Hux's internal conflict: the pain of abandonment, the fear of causing more harm, and the hope for forgiveness. Hux's inhuman nature is contrasted with his deeply human emotions, setting up his role as both protector and outsider in the unfolding crisis.

The Touch of Sorrow

Nell is enlisted by Tessie to help Andrea Warner, whose husband Reggie has been struck by a mysterious, paralyzing grief. Nell's supernatural ability—to clear the mind of emotional fog—temporarily brings Reggie back, but his lucidity is fleeting. He speaks of hearing his dead son's voice, of secrets and forbidden knowledge, before slipping back into despair. The encounter leaves Nell shaken and frustrated by her limitations. The chapter explores the boundaries of supernatural intervention and the complexity of grief that cannot be easily healed. It also hints at a larger, more sinister force at work, as Reggie's experience mirrors Audrey's and suggests a spreading curse.

The Case of the Weeping

Tessie and Nell discover that Reggie's affliction is not unique—others in Marrow Falls are succumbing to the same uncontrollable sorrow. As they visit more families, Nell's ability provides only temporary relief, and the afflicted speak in riddles about secrets and voices from beyond. The pattern emerges: each victim is mourning a lost loved one, and all are haunted by the promise of reunion. The town is gripped by a supernatural epidemic, and the sense of dread intensifies. The chapter builds tension as the protagonists realize they are facing something far beyond ordinary grief—a force that preys on the vulnerable and the bereaved.

Seeking the Dead

Unable to resist the pull, Audrey sneaks out at night to the cemetery, drawn by the promise of seeing her son again. Leon is waiting, suitcase in hand, and invites her to open it. The suitcase emits a hypnotic violet light, and from its depths, William emerges—solid, warm, and real. Audrey's joy is overwhelming as she embraces her son, but the scene is tinged with unease. The reunion is both miraculous and unnatural, blurring the line between comfort and danger. Leon's role as facilitator is ambiguous; his motives are unclear, and the suitcase's power is both wondrous and terrifying. The chapter captures the seductive allure of forbidden magic and the peril of longing for what is lost.

Rituals and Summonings

Hux is dispatched by the Void to a remote English cottage, where he interrupts a cult's ritual sacrifice. The cultists flee, leaving behind a corpse, a blood-soaked book, and a palpable supernatural presence. Hux converses with the entity, a being from beyond reality, and recognizes it as a threat. The book is stolen in the chaos, leading Hux on a violent pursuit across the countryside. The chapter is a blend of cosmic horror and detective work, as Hux's unique abilities make him both hunter and hunted. The encounter foreshadows the convergence of multiple supernatural forces and the escalation of danger for all involved.

The Suitcase Opens

Franklin, driven by curiosity and the hope of seeing his father, follows Audrey into the cemetery at night. He witnesses the suitcase's power firsthand as Audrey is reunited with William and then steps into the suitcase's light, vanishing. Franklin is discovered by Leon, who offers him the same chance. When Franklin resists, Leon's true nature is revealed—he is predatory, violent, and inhuman. Franklin is brutally attacked and dragged into the suitcase's abyss, his fate mirroring that of his grandmother. The chapter is a turning point, exposing the suitcase as a trap and Leon as a malevolent force feeding on grief.

The Curse Spreads

The disappearance of Audrey and Franklin sends shockwaves through Marrow Falls. Tessie and Nell investigate, using their abilities to search for the missing, but find only dead ends. The police are involved, but powerless. The supernatural epidemic intensifies, with more townspeople falling victim to the suitcase's lure. The protagonists realize that the curse is spreading, targeting those most vulnerable to loss. The sense of urgency mounts as they race to understand the nature of the threat and how to stop it. The chapter underscores the helplessness of ordinary means against extraordinary evil.

Missing in the Night

With the town in crisis, Nell volunteers to confront Leon and his suitcase, hoping her immunity to the curse will give her an advantage. Tessie and Lisa devise a risky plan: Nell will meet Leon in the cemetery, while Tessie follows with a gun and Lisa waits as getaway driver. The tension is high as Nell faces Leon alone, stalling for time and searching for a way to seize the suitcase. The plan quickly unravels as Leon's power proves overwhelming. Nell is pulled into the suitcase's abyss, and Tessie's attempt to intervene ends in violence. The chapter is a suspenseful escalation, as the protagonists' courage is met with the full force of supernatural horror.

Descent into the Void

Inside the suitcase, Nell finds herself in a nightmarish landscape—a valley of flesh, filled with graves and the eternally tormented dead. She is attacked by monstrous entities and nearly consumed, but her resilience and quick thinking allow her to escape the worst of the suffering. The experience is harrowing, a vision of damnation that reveals the true nature of the suitcase: it is a prison and a feeding ground for a cosmic predator. Nell's ordeal is both physical and psychological, testing her will to survive and her sense of self. The chapter is a vivid exploration of the book's central metaphor: grief as a living, devouring force.

The Attic's Dark Bargain

While chaos unfolds below, Lisa is drawn to Hux's attic, where she encounters a sentient, cursed book. The book offers her power and escape from her pain in exchange for blood. Desperate and traumatized, Lisa succumbs, cutting her hand and unleashing the book's dark magic. The entity within the book begins to consume her, threatening to claim her soul. The chapter is a meditation on vulnerability and the seductive danger of easy solutions to deep wounds. Lisa's struggle is both literal and symbolic, mirroring the larger battle against forces that prey on the broken.

Nightmares in the Cemetery

As the suitcase's victims are trapped in torment, Hux returns home to find his friends under attack. The attic becomes a battleground: Leon, now revealed as a monstrous, worm-filled abomination, fights to reclaim his suitcase and continue his predation. Hux, fueled by the Void's power and his own grief, confronts Leon in a brutal showdown. The battle is chaotic and desperate, with Tessie and Lisa both nearly lost to the supernatural onslaught. Hux's intervention is decisive, but not without cost. The chapter is the climax of the novel's horror, pitting human resilience and love against cosmic indifference and malice.

The Trap is Set

With Leon defeated and the suitcase in their possession, the survivors regroup and devise a plan to end the curse for good. Hux uses his Void-infused abilities to destroy the suitcase, consuming it in silver fire and erasing its connection to the world. The act is both a victory and a release, freeing the trapped souls and ending the cycle of suffering. The aftermath is bittersweet: the town is safe, but the cost has been high, and the scars—both physical and emotional—remain. The chapter is a meditation on closure, sacrifice, and the limits of what can be healed.

Into the Suitcase

Nell, with Hux's help, escapes the suitcase's hellish dimension. Hux is forced to confront the illusion of his dead wife, Elaine, and the pain of his own unresolved grief. The encounter is cathartic, allowing Hux to accept the past and let go of his guilt. Nell's return is a triumph of will and friendship, as she reunites with Lisa and Tessie. The chapter is a turning point, marking the end of the supernatural threat and the beginning of healing for the survivors. It emphasizes the power of love, memory, and self-acceptance in the face of darkness.

The Valley of Suffering

The suitcase's dimension is revealed as a cosmic feeding ground, where the dead and the grieving are trapped in endless torment. The entity behind the curse is a being of unimaginable hunger, sustained by the pain of its victims. Nell's journey through this landscape is a confrontation with the darkest aspects of loss and despair. Her escape is a testament to her strength and the support of her friends. The chapter is a philosophical exploration of suffering, redemption, and the possibility of hope even in the bleakest circumstances.

The Battle for Souls

The climactic battle in the attic sees Hux, Nell, Tessie, and Lisa fighting for their lives and souls. Hux's Void power proves the key to defeating both Leon and the cursed book, as he consumes them in silver fire. The victory is hard-won, and the survivors are left to pick up the pieces. The chapter is a celebration of resilience, the bonds of chosen family, and the triumph of light over darkness. It also acknowledges the lingering wounds and the ongoing process of healing.

Truths and Healing

In the aftermath, the characters share their truths and begin to heal. Lisa finally confides in Nell about the trauma she endured, and Nell offers unconditional support. Tessie grapples with her sense of responsibility and the weight of her supernatural legacy. Hux reflects on his lost humanity and the possibility of forgiveness. The chapter is intimate and emotional, focusing on the small acts of kindness and honesty that make recovery possible. It is a reminder that healing is a communal effort, and that even the most broken can find solace in each other.

Aftermath and New Beginnings

With the supernatural threat vanquished, the survivors face the challenge of moving forward. The town remains unaware of how close it came to destruction, and the missing are mourned without answers. Nell dreams of her mother, discovering she is alive but lost in her own suffering. The dream is interrupted by a vision of a greater darkness, hinting at future dangers. Yet, the novel ends on a note of hope: Nell and Lisa, having faced their demons, share a moment of friendship and light in the darkness. The story closes with the promise of new beginnings and the enduring power of love.

Characters

Nell Parrish

Nell is a fourteen-year-old girl with a supernatural ability to clear emotional fog and touch the minds of others. Orphaned and shuffled through foster care, she is marked by a deep sense of loss and a longing for connection. Her friendship with Lisa is central to her emotional world, and her willingness to risk herself for others is both her strength and vulnerability. Nell's journey is one of self-discovery, as she confronts the darkness within and without, ultimately emerging as a survivor and a healer. Her immunity to the suitcase's curse makes her a key player in the battle against Leon, and her compassion is the glue that holds the group together.

Lisa

Lisa is Nell's best friend, recently returned after a suicide attempt and a traumatic experience at a party. She is tough, sarcastic, and deeply wounded, hiding her pain behind bravado and deflection. Lisa's struggle with depression and shame is a central thread, and her eventual confession to Nell is a moment of profound vulnerability. Her encounter with the cursed book in Hux's attic is both a literal and metaphorical battle with her demons. Lisa's arc is one of gradual healing, as she learns to trust, accept help, and reclaim her sense of self.

Hux

Hux is a conduit of the Void, a being transformed by cosmic forces into something more—and less—than human. Once a husband and father, he is tormented by guilt over abandoning his family and the loss of his wife, Elaine. Hux's powers make him both protector and outsider, and his struggle is one of reconciling his monstrous nature with his lingering humanity. His confrontation with the illusion of Elaine is a cathartic reckoning, allowing him to accept his past and move forward. Hux's role as the group's supernatural defender is balanced by his deep emotional wounds and longing for redemption.

Tessie

Tessie is a witch and the de facto guardian of Nell and Lisa. She possesses the ability to trace people and memories through objects, a gift inherited from her grandfather. Tessie is both mentor and mother figure, providing guidance, protection, and tough love. Her sense of responsibility is immense, and she struggles with the fear of failing those she cares for. Tessie's arc is one of acceptance—of her powers, her limitations, and the necessity of letting others take risks. Her courage and resourcefulness are vital in the fight against Leon and the suitcase.

Leon

Leon is the enigmatic antagonist, appearing as a handsome young man with a black suitcase. He preys on the grieving, offering them the chance to reunite with lost loved ones, only to trap them in a dimension of eternal suffering. Leon's true nature is revealed as monstrous—literally filled with worms and capable of violence. He is a cosmic predator, feeding on pain and exploiting vulnerability. His charm is a mask for his cruelty, and his defeat is both a physical and moral victory for the protagonists.

Audrey Myers

Audrey is Franklin's grandmother and William's mother, a woman defined by her devotion to family and her struggle with loss. Her daily visits to the cemetery are a ritual of remembrance and longing. Audrey's vulnerability makes her an early victim of Leon's curse, and her disappearance is a catalyst for the story's escalation. She embodies the dangers of unresolved grief and the seductive peril of forbidden magic.

Franklin Myers

Franklin is a bright, sensitive teenager, proud of his academic achievements and deeply affected by his family's sorrow. His desire to see his father again leads him into Leon's trap, and his fate is a stark warning about the cost of longing for the impossible. Franklin's arc is brief but impactful, illustrating the generational reach of grief and the vulnerability of the young.

Reggie Warner

Reggie is Andrea's husband, the first to fall victim to the supernatural epidemic. His mind is shattered by grief and the promise of reunion with his dead son. Reggie's brief moments of lucidity reveal the insidious nature of the curse and the power of secrets to destroy. He is a symbol of the epidemic's reach and the helplessness of those left behind.

Elaine

Elaine is Hux's lost wife, a figure of love and regret. Though dead, she appears as an illusion conjured by the suitcase, embodying Hux's deepest wounds and desires. Her presence is both a comfort and a weapon, used by the curse to ensnare Hux. Elaine's role is a meditation on memory, forgiveness, and the dangers of clinging to the past.

The Suitcase Entity

The entity within the suitcase is the true antagonist—a being from beyond reality, sustained by the pain and longing of the living. It manifests as lost loved ones, offering false hope and eternal torment. Its power is seductive and destructive, a metaphor for the dangers of unresolved grief and the human tendency to seek solace in the impossible. Its defeat is a triumph of will, love, and the refusal to be consumed by the past.

Plot Devices

The Suitcase

The suitcase is the central supernatural device, a literal and metaphorical trap for the grieving. It offers the promise of reunion with the dead, but delivers only eternal torment. Its violet light and hypnotic power are both alluring and deadly, preying on the most vulnerable. The suitcase's ability to manifest lost loved ones is a masterstroke of psychological horror, exploiting the characters' deepest wounds. Its destruction is the climax of the novel, symbolizing the rejection of false comfort and the acceptance of loss.

The Void

The Void is both a setting and a power, embodied in Hux and accessible to Nell in dreams. It represents the unknown, the afterlife, and the boundary between worlds. The Void's silver fire is both a weapon and a purifier, capable of consuming evil and freeing the trapped. Its presence adds a layer of cosmic horror, suggesting that the world is but one of many, and that greater dangers lurk beyond. The Void's role in the narrative is to provide both threat and salvation, a reminder of the vastness and indifference of the universe.

Memory and Touch

Nell's ability to clear emotional fog and Tessie's power to trace people through objects are key plot devices, allowing the protagonists to intervene in the supernatural epidemic. These abilities are both gifts and burdens, highlighting the limits of intervention and the importance of consent. The use of touch and memory as sources of power underscores the novel's themes of connection, loss, and the struggle to heal.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

The novel is structured around parallel experiences of grief, loss, and the longing for reunion. The epidemic of supernatural sorrow mirrors the personal struggles of the main characters, and the suitcase's victims reflect the dangers of refusing to let go. Foreshadowing is used to build tension, as early encounters with Leon and the suitcase hint at the true nature of the threat. The repetition of motifs—cemeteries, memories, touch—creates a sense of inevitability and deepens the emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

The story is told through the alternating perspectives of Nell, Lisa, Hux, Tessie, and others, allowing for a rich exploration of character and theme. Each chapter builds on the last, weaving together personal and cosmic horror. The structure allows for both intimate moments of confession and large-scale confrontations with evil. The convergence of the characters' arcs in the final battle is both satisfying and cathartic, delivering resolution while acknowledging the ongoing nature of healing.

Analysis

Beyond the Phantom Glow is a cosmic horror novel that uses supernatural devices—the suitcase, the Void, cursed books—to explore the very human experiences of loss, longing, and the search for closure. At its heart, the book is about the seductive danger of refusing to let go: the way grief can become a prison, and the lengths to which people will go to see their loved ones again. The suitcase is a brilliant metaphor for the traps we set for ourselves, offering comfort that turns to torment. The novel also addresses trauma, particularly through Lisa's arc, showing how shame and silence can be as destructive as any curse. The power of friendship, chosen family, and honest confession is held up as the antidote to despair. The story's cosmic scale is balanced by its intimate emotional core, reminding readers that even in a universe filled with darkness, hope and healing are possible—if we are brave enough to face the truth and let go.

Last updated: December 22, 2025