Every family has heirlooms. Not every family should.
In the shadows of American attics and cedar chests lie objects that remember what we've tried to forget. A Roma grandmother's music box that compels violent, endless dancing. A Mexican mirror that weeps blood for the tears its owner cannot shed. A New Orleans recipe box filled with dishes that steal free will. A century-old Irish wedding dress that attracts violent men like a curse.
These eight interconnected tales of Literary Folk Horror explore how trauma travels through bloodlines, embedded in the very objects meant to preserve family memory. From Brooklyn apartments to Detroit neighborhoods, each story follows descendants who inherit more than antiques-they inherit the supernatural weight of cultural suppression, family secrets, and historical wounds that refuse to heal.
As cursed heirlooms reveal their true nature, characters must choose between perpetuating cycles of pain or transforming inherited trauma into unexpected strength. But some family legacies demand a price that spans generations.
What We Inherit will make you look twice at every vintage photograph, antique compass, and grandmother's quilt in your own home.
Because some inheritances are meant to be buried.
Sean Benoit, writing under the pen name S.B. Fates, is a masterful author specializing in the realm of dark fiction. His unique literary style seamlessly weaves together elements of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science fiction, and fantasy, creating stories that not only captivate but also challenge the conventional boundaries of these genres. His works are renowned for their complex narratives, richly developed characters, and the ability to transport readers into worlds where the mysterious and the ordinary intertwine.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Sean harbors a deep passion for drawing and comic books, engaging in these activities as personal hobbies. This artistic inclination, while separate from his writing, enriches his creative perspective and contributes to the depth and imagination evident in his storytelling.
Known as S.B. Fates in the literary world, Sean stands out for his ability to blend a diverse range of elements into his narratives, making him a distinctive voice in the genre of dark fiction. His dedication to exploring and redefining the limits of genre fiction has cemented his status as a notable author in his field.
