Come into my parlor

"Come into my parlor" by Charles E. Fritch spins a tale of unsettling possibilities during the 1950s. The story explores questions about what is real and what isn't through the eyes of Charlie Bennet, a newspaper reporter, and his friend Johnny. Johnny becomes convinced that giant, unseen spiders are secretly living among humans, a belief fueled by special glasses he invents to see them. At first, Charlie dismisses Johnny's claims as the product of too much drinking, but Johnny's obsession grows, leading to paranoia, violence, and a breakdown in their friendship. The narrative creates suspense as Charlie fights to protect himself from Johnny's growing madness, ultimately presenting a finale that makes readers question everything they thought they knew.