Umfundi.alpha

4,235 words (17–22 minutes)
Genre(s): Horror, specifically Lovecraftian (cosmic/psychological horror)
Originally published in the September 1926 issue of Weird Tales

In this eerie tale, a disillusioned dreamer wanders the dark byways of an unsettling New York City. His fascination with hidden courtyards and forsaken alleys leads him into the orbit of a strange guide—an enigmatic figure who offers a glimpse into bygone eras and uncanny possibilities. What unfolds is a spine-chilling journey into secrets lurking behind the city’s façade. Lovecraft masterfully contrasts the allure of old-world mystique with the menacing truth concealed in its shadows, leaving the reader uneasy about where history ends and horror begins.