I picked this book for the RIP III Challenge, and I also thought I’d use it for Short Story September.  I’ve enjoyed the first two stories of the book so far.

“W.S.” by L.P. Hartley

Walter Streeter is a novelist who begins receiving postcards from a fan.  The postcards are signed with the initials W.S.  At first the notes are very complimentary, but it appears the fan might be stalking him as W.S. admits he is coming nearer and nearer to Walter with each postcard.   This alarms Walter and he notifies the police, who at first don’t seem to be interested in the case and assure him it is probably a hoax.  Later, they agree to provide him with police protection, and there is a policeman who arrives at the door, but…

“Harry” by Rosemary Timperley

A little girl begins to have an imaginary friend the summer before she goes off to school.  At first her parents don’t think anything about it, but then they become increasingly more alarmed at their daughter’s insistence that Harry is real.

“Such ordinary things make me afraid.  Sunshine.  Sharp shadows on grass.  White roses.  Children with red hair.  And the name — Harry.  Such an ordinary name.”

I’m really looking forward to reading more of the stories in this collection!