The Door

"The Door" by David H. Keller is a hidden treasure among the literary short stories from the pulp magazines of the 1930s and 1940s. Originally published in the summer 1949 issue of the Arkham Sampler, this haunting narrative narrated by award-winning audiobook narrator Mike Vendetti captivates listeners with its intriguing plot and poignant exploration of human emotions. David Henry Keller, renowned as both a writer and a practicing physician, brings his unique perspective to this tale. Set in the harsh and desolate desert territory of the Southwest, "The Door" delves into the complex relationship between a husband and wife living on a ranch. While the husband has adapted to their new surroundings, the wife pines for her former home in Virginia, yearning for the familiar sunny hills. It is amidst this backdrop that the wife stumbles upon a mysterious door, isolated between a cactus plant and a Joshua tree. The enigma surrounding this door becomes the focal point of the story, enticing