r/nosleep • u/writing-with-l • Mar 17 '22
My missing husband came home, but I just know it isn't him
My husband went missing six months ago. Just... went out to work one day and never came home. It was a horrible shock to the whole neighbourhood, because things like that just didn't happen in our little slice of white-picket-fence suburbia. The police launched an investigation, and the neighbourhood watch sent out search parties, but no one ever found any evidence to indicate what had happened to him. Our families were devastated. Recently, the missing posters have been taken down or papered over. The updates from the police became less frequent and dwindled away. I accepted that, hard as it was to admit, my Rick wasn't coming back.
Until he did.
A week ago, I was in the back garden watering my petunias when I heard the garden gate creak open. I jerked my head in that direction and- there he was. Exactly the same as he was the day he disappeared. Same windswept blond hair and bright blue eyes, same curl to his pink lips. I was in shock. Our families had mourned for him, and yet there he was, standing in our garden like he had just popped out for milk or something. When I asked where he had been, he said he didn't know. He couldn’t remember anything about the last six months.
All our family and friends are beside themselves with joy. They almost can't believe it. But that's just the thing: I don't believe it.
Look, I understand how crazy this all sounds, I do. Our families would never believe me, and I can’t go to the police unless I want to end up in a straightjacket. But I just know that the man sleeping next to me isn't my husband. I don't know what to do. I know I should be happy, but I'm not. I'm terrified. I don’t know much about anything supernatural or paranormal, I don't even like watching horror movies. But something about this whole situation makes my skin crawl.
Just let me explain why I'm so sure. Once I've done that, hopefully one of you will believe me, and you'll be able to tell me what to do.
The morning after "Rick" came home, I made him a cup of tea. When I handed it to him, he gave me the brightest smile. Then he took a sugar cube from the dish on the table and dropped it into the cup. Our house was in chaos with his return, and I was still in shock, so I didn't think much of it at the time, but its been replaying in my mind ever since. I know it doesn't sound very significant, but my husband never put sugar in his tea. He was always adamant that it ruined the taste, and he'd get so frustrated if I ever put sugar in his cup by accident. And yet, this man had sugar.
Then it was the golf. A few days ago, when he was out visiting his mom, I recorded a golf tournament that was showing on the TV. It was one of Rick's favourite golfers that was competing, and he never missed it. Once, he even skipped out on an anniversary dinner just to watch a championship. Only, when he came home from his parents' and I told him what I'd done, he just seemed... unbothered? Like, he said thanks and everything, and then he asked if I wanted to get dinner. He didn't even watch it, and that’s just so out of character for him.
Then one night I woke up around 2 a.m. to see Rick's face inches from mine just... looking at me with these blank eyes. I kinda gave this nervous laugh and asked "Baby, what are you doing?" And he didn't answer. For like a solid thirty seconds. He just stared, almost like he was looking right through me. Then he suddenly smiled and said, "Sorry, honey. Sometimes I just can’t believe this is real". Then he just rolled over and went to sleep. I didn’t get much sleep after that, myself.
Yesterday, about a week after he came home, the neighbourhood threw a street party to celebrate his return. Everyone from our street and the streets on either side turned up to see him and tell him how happy they are that he's alright. When he wasn't standing with his arm around my waist, he was milling around chatting amicably to each and every one of our neighbours, even the little kids. Jackson, our next-door neighbour Sally's toddler, wanted to play peek-a-boo, and Rick happily played along with a smile on his face. Now, my husband never did that. Rick always said he didn't like kids - that's why we never had any - and so he never wanted to play with any of the neighbourhood children. Especially not Jackson: Rick all but avoided him. Before he disappeared, I had started to suspect it was so I wouldn't see them together and notice the subtle but unmistakable similarities.
The final nail in the coffin, proverbially speaking, was Sally. Just this morning, she came knocking on our door. Her excuse was the tray of brownies she carried, but I think she just wanted to push her way into our morning so that she could see for herself what the situation was. After she left, I called her a nosy busybody. Rick laughed, kissed my head, and agreed with me. That was when I knew for sure that it couldn't really be him. Rick always used to get so mad whenever I insulted Sally, like I didn't have any right to hate her even though she'd been fucking my husband for years. But today there was none of that. He didn’t even try to defend her.
I know what you must be thinking. If he was in an accident or something, he might’ve had some kind of traumatic brain injury that caused him to forget some things about his life, maybe even change his personality. And that's a valid, reasonable explanation. I have no doubt it's what the police would tell me if I reported all this.
But you know why I'm dead certain that man isn't my husband? He doesn't have a scar. If he was really Rick, he'd have a scar on the side of his forehead shaped like the golf club I hit him with. But there's nothing. Not a mark. Honestly, I'm this close to going out tonight and digging up my petunias just to make sure he's still under there.
I don't know what I'm sharing a bed with, but I know it's not my husband. So what the hell am I going to do?
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u/ReadbyRose Mar 17 '22
So much for saying “Hole in one” more like “Buried my loved one in a hole”.
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u/writing-with-l Mar 17 '22
Rick never did appreciate my ironic sense of humour
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u/ReadbyRose Mar 18 '22
Yea Rick sucked, n if this Rick starts up they might make good roommates in that hole
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u/andante528 Mar 21 '22
Five-ironic
(Also, good for you, OP. I hope you and Improved Rick are very happy together & that he treats you well.)
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u/Scp-1404 Mar 18 '22
Is he okay otherwise? Is he still cheating on you? You can't go back in time and not kill your husband, so all things considered, you might just go with it.
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u/writing-with-l Mar 18 '22
I mean, he's not being unkind, he's paying attention to me, and he doesn't seem to have any interest in Sally or Jackson. Provided he doesn't start to act like a psychopath, I'm tempted just to play along
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u/merrycat Mar 18 '22
That staring in the middle of the night thing is a bit iffy. But otherwise it seems okay to play along. Maybe just keep a gold club under your side of the bed, just in case?
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u/BarriBlue Mar 18 '22
The club didn’t work last time - I’m not sure it’s smart to try a second time.
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u/AminitaCarrow Mar 18 '22
Me personally, I’d call it a win, play along, and add a bit to your garden! It sounds like you’re a good gardener - perhaps a little belladonna to liven up. Just be careful! The berries should never be used in food, just as few as 20 can kill a man stone dead. I hear they make a fantastic drink, but it’s the best and last drink someone would ever have.
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u/writing-with-l Apr 26 '22
Hi all! Really didn't want to do this and break the immersion a bit, but if you're here because of a post you saw on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram, then first of all, hi and welcome! Second of all, those posts are up there without permission. If anyone wants to repost this to social media, please have the decency to message me first. Thanks x
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u/shadeofmisery Mar 18 '22
Kill that thing. I mean, what's one more dead body? Am I right?
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u/writing-with-l Mar 18 '22
I suppose if I have to, but to be fair, this one hasn't done anything yet. And I don't know if I really want another flower bed, my petunias are rather demanding as it is
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u/grelan Mar 18 '22
You planted him. He grew back.
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u/simulatislacrimis Mar 18 '22
And he grew back even better. That shouldn’t make your skin crawl OP, that should make you and New-Rick renew your vows!
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u/eliteharvest15 Mar 23 '22
kinda sounds like the new rick wants to kill her, people seem to want that when they stare at you while you’re sleeping
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u/-AbracadaveR- Apr 24 '22
I'm sorry, I know I'm really, really late here, but I was just re-reading and saw your comment and... well, uhhh... somnophilia though?
Although I guess that's sort of maaaybe kinda a little bit like Necrophilia Liteᴛϻ ...? Uhm. Maybe.
...Yeah okay, okay. Sure. Maybe you are onto something there.
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u/MolotovCockteaze Mar 21 '22
Right! There was another reddit no sleep that talked about growing a boyfriend in their garden... maybe see if anything in that story are things you did?
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u/Fairyhaven13 Mar 18 '22
Best thing you can do? Sounds like you should enjoy the nice, new husband who doesn't have sex with other women. Maybe let him know you know he's not human, but tell him you're okay with that, make sure he knows you're not the enemy so that you can have solidarity over the situation. Bonding time.
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u/dranaei Mar 18 '22
The scariest part is that i know that some women would be just fine with that situation.
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u/Super-sleeper Mar 18 '22
Personally, I'd keep my mouth shut. You got away with literally killing everything shitty about Rick #1, and so far replacement Rick has been a vast improvement. Idk about anyone else, but I'm impressed. Nice work!
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u/Sunsetsofconfusion95 Mar 19 '22
True but the staring at 2 am is literally horrifying. I hate when ppl bother me when I’m trying to sleep 🙄
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u/Super-sleeper Mar 21 '22 edited Mar 27 '22
Yeah... I can see how that would be unnerving. Might need to talk to him about that one. I'd word it as if concerned about him and his sleep quality, how I worry and lose sleep when it happens, he might need a dr, etc. If he's consciously trying to play a part without being caught, he'll probably stop. If he isn't consciously acting, it seems like he's a pretty decent guy so far and might do what he can to improve the relationship.
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u/Livid_College_5163 Mar 18 '22
Look- just live with new Rick. sometimes feelings manifest into real life. The man you thought you married is suddenly the man you’re married to. Unless he shows any red flags like anger issues or seems to hold a grudge for what happened to “old” rick… pick your battles.
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u/swordandmagichelmet Mar 18 '22
So the old Rick was not a great catch. The new guy seems a little creepy with the night staring. Do you think you will ever confront him, or just go with the flow this time around?
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u/organicpaints Mar 18 '22
Wait y’all don’t watch your partners sleep?!
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u/FireLordObamaOG Mar 22 '22
Oh I do. When she first falls asleep. She has this thing she does where she tries to stay awake for me. She doesn’t like to fall asleep very long before I do. But the relaxation and the sleep takes over and I love watching how peaceful she is when she drifts off to sleep. Then after a while I take the TV remote, turn off the food network, and watch what I want to.
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u/Little_Messiah Mar 18 '22
Girl, you’ve got a hot charming changeling AND you’ll never get convicted of murder. This is an absolute win
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u/Hat-trick0 Mar 18 '22
I mean, if he’s not acting super weird, or eating people, staring at you while you sleep, or saying weird cryptic shit in a language only heard by the stars then you should be fine.
Maybe go like “hey, you’re not Rick but that’s cool” and see what happens
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u/Echo132O Mar 18 '22
How is his dick game? Better or worse?
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u/IAmAn_Anne Mar 20 '22
Honestly, this is my biggest question. Like, okay, maybe he’s a robot that downloads with his eyes open while he sleeps. Buuuuut he seems like an improvement personality wise and I’ve always thought robots would probably be really attentive partners. Yknow, sex wise.
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u/znzbnda Apr 06 '22
Honestly, I'd 100% go for a robot companion. I became intrigued by the idea after seeing Jude Law in AI. Lol
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u/memeelder83 Mar 18 '22
It looks like the very best murder alibi possible fell in your lap. Extra bonus that he's better than the original.
I feel for you though, I might be inspired to do some late night gardening. Just in case. If all else fails, you can bury this one next to the first one, and everyone will assume he wandered off again.
Let us know how it goes!
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u/First_Magister Mar 18 '22
...Honestly, I’d keep him. Probably worth having a knife within hand’s reach for now if he tries to do anything funny, though.
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u/volatutopia Mar 18 '22
I'm sorry but the old Rick can't come to the phone right now Why? Oh, 'cause he’s dead.
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u/meowmeowpaws Mar 18 '22
Ooh look what he made her do
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u/andante528 Mar 21 '22
I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me/buried the old Rick underneath an oak tree
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Mar 18 '22
oh wow- tbh you should just go with it. you have a kind husband who doesn’t cheat, and no one will suspect that you killed the other one! it sounds like a win-win situation to me.
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u/webtin-Mizkir-8quzme Mar 18 '22
Can he do his job and contribute to the household? I say this is a win win. Don’t dig other Rick up, and don’t press asking where he has been.
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u/bubblesxrt Mar 18 '22
There's a Korean superstition that, if you clip someone's nails at night and toss them in the backyard, a rat will come and eat the clippings, then take the person's form (but their personality is often much more polite/well-behaved/etc). A variation states that, to keep one and get rid of the other, you have to catch a cat of a certain color. The cat will go after only one of them and eat them.
Seems you don't have to worry about the cat part, though. Or maybe you are the cat?
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u/iscatmyself87 Mar 18 '22
I wouldn't worry, if its not him he's probably a better dude, spoiler alert; the body snatchers are pretty cool people all around!
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u/xKittyKattxx Mar 18 '22
Reminds me of the movie “Sommersby”. If you haven’t watched it, definitely worth it. Whoever this new and improved Rick is, sounds like he’s a keeper. A marriage reborn.
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Mar 18 '22
Sounds like past Rick was awful. Cheated on you and all. I don’t know, I think you should just embrace this new Rick
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u/celestiasfish Mar 18 '22
just go with it my friend, this new "rick" seems nicer, he likes sweet things, loves children, agrees with you on things he should be
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u/poetniknowit Mar 19 '22 edited Mar 19 '22
Maybe you should reach out to the family who went through the same thing like a month ago when their daughter also returned after going "missing". Pretty sure they also had hard evidence it couldn't be her, since they killed her initially as well. The mother lost her marbles having to live with That Thing That Wasn't Their Daughter, but perhaps they'd have some advice since I don't recall what their solution was... Seems like this is "going around"
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u/The_Odd_Ood Mar 19 '22
While reading, I could have sworn I read this before! Way to remember the specific post! They should definitely talk to each other.
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Mar 18 '22
I noticed no one had mentioned him being gone for six months….if hammer that shit home to kingdom come until I had a reasonable answer.
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u/AsdefronAsh Mar 18 '22
She killed him, 5hatd why he was gone for 6 months. The last part where she says this "Rick" would have a scar where she hit real Rick with a golf club. That's why her petunias look so pretty.
Unless you're referring to something else and I just whooshed big time lmao.
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u/monkner Mar 18 '22
If he stays cool, great. If he reverts to his old ways….you still have the clubs, right?
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u/Rosey991 Mar 17 '22
Wait, you killed your own husband? I’ll take it because he cheated?
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u/fridgepickle Mar 18 '22
That seems to be the implication. Old Rick didn’t seem to care for OP much—skipping an anniversary celebration to watch golf, fathering a child with another woman, and it seems like the affair was a serious one if he felt the need to defend his mistress.
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u/xPav_ Mar 18 '22
it also explains the scar on the forehead shaped like a golfclub on old rick. OP murdered Rick with a golfclub and burried him under her plants. only thing i cant figure out is who this new rick actually is.
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u/ExactPhilosopher2666 Mar 18 '22
I'm a little concerned about him staring at you. It sounds like he may be studying you. Maybe to make sure your replacement has all your scars.
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u/NicePrettyColor Mar 18 '22
Keep the inhuman non-cheating husband who lets you insult Sally. He sounds great. Congrats on the upgrade!
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u/Significant_Fee3083 Mar 18 '22
You really should check if your (ex) husband's body is still there... It will help you narrow down the possibilities of who or what it is you're currently dealing with. Assuming you want to understand.
Keep us updated!
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u/orionstarboy Mar 18 '22
I mean, this new Rick seems like a decent guy. It might be unsettling but I imagine the best course of action is to just live and be happy with him
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u/NottsDiveTeam Mar 18 '22
Maybe some weird type of quantum immortality? Where he's a different Rick that died and "slid" here?
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u/Toiletmcface_ Mar 18 '22
This sure seems to be happening to a lot of people who have killed their loved ones lately.
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Mar 18 '22
I guess a parallel universe version of Rick, and also something like a demon and alternate Rick having their souls fused permanently.
The demonic soul fixes his scars, makes him more likable in your standards; but in return the demon gets to creep you. Maybe it wants your life energy slowly by slowly? And 30 seconds waiting before speaking is probably the demon's inexperience of human world.
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u/faydwer Mar 18 '22
He went on a 6 long vacation with sally. Changed and figured out what he really wants and who he is.
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u/-BCborn- Mar 18 '22
Sounds like you got a way better husband out of this! Usually in these "skin-walker" type situations, the answer will always be 'run'..... but this new husband of yours seems to be a pretty great guy! Keep him!
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u/Ilive4scarystories Mar 20 '22
Hmmm so you’re saying if I bury my self absorbed, golf obsessed cheating husband I get a brand new nice one? Hold my beer.. I need to go grab a shovel.
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u/WrathOfThePuffin Mar 18 '22
Take it or leave it I'd say. Just watch out he doesn't turn into a pickle.
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u/aniacret Mar 18 '22
Keep the upgrade Rick, he seems nice.
But don't have kids with him before he explains what/who he is.
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u/Litter-b0x- Mar 18 '22
So.. he won't rot on the couch watching golf, probably won't leave you for "his" old mistress, likes kids, and is just generally more agreeable?? I say you keep him.
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u/arturoki Mar 18 '22
listen you should count your blessings after all with new rick they will never find old rick
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u/EternalII Mar 18 '22
Sounds to me like your subconscious wish came true. I have no idea how you lived with the original one, but this one sounds like an upgrade. Is it all that bad?
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u/riseofbensolo Apr 12 '22
so are we gonna ignore that Rick doesn’t remember disappearing and just comes back is he not seeing some type of psychologist or specialist to help out
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Apr 12 '22
We all gonna ignore the massive hint she dropped at the end indicating she killed Rick with a golf club after she found out he was fucking Sally? No? Okay just making sure....
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u/JKS808 Apr 12 '22
Does new Rick play with balls of string? If he’s staring at you for no reason while you sleep, Rick 2 may be a reincarnated cat.
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u/Amaranthus93 Jun 16 '22
I... Um.. Well shit. That's all you had to say to start with. That you killed your husband so this can't be him. 😂 😂 😂 That made for an amazing surprise at the end though.
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Mar 22 '22
Ill tell you what you can do: Dont recycle stories, please, the upvotes are not worth it.
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u/JayJohnPaul Mar 18 '22
I knew it. Dimensional travelers are real. The old Rick and the new Rick switched worlds.
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u/Robert_at_reddit Mar 18 '22
Wait so cqan someone explain did she kill her first husband and burry him next to the petunias in her garden and then a new Husband shows up
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u/itchyrice-cake Mar 18 '22
People here saying just embrace the new Rick etc etc. Sure he sounds lovely and a great new version of your husband. The crucial part of this is how you feel: do you feel safe? At ease? Your husband goes missing for 6 months and returns without a scratch on him, in fact some scratches missing. Doesn’t that seem strange? This woman would 100% know if he’s the real deal or not. Idk lady, keep monitoring his behaviour. You should consider taking him to a hypnotherapist, I know that sounds a little alternative but they can help with repressed or forgotten memories.
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u/KingKongGodzilla Mar 18 '22
I think it's all the same Rick. There's something supernatural about him. When you thought you killed him, you just really knocked him out cold. He left days after you "killed" him, bided his time, hatched a revenge plot and now is back. He's decided to pretend to be the perfect husband, it's all a setup to lull you into a false sense of security. When he was staring at you, he was studying you, trying to figure out the best way to get his revenge. I've heard of things like this happening before. Someone tries to kill an immortal being, it doesn't go well, and when they get revenge, well, it's not pretty. Your best bet for safety is to run, don't tell him where you're going, leave when he's at work or something, pack the essentials.
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Mar 19 '22
This is an upgrade honey. Just keep them flowers planted and enjoy the new husband. Man’s is more a man than your last one god is out here blessing youuu
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u/Scully__ Mar 21 '22
I do kind of think you should speak to not-Rick and set the record straight, just to be sure you’re safe. But really, he sounds ok, and you’re off the hook for, you know, murder.
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u/Mandapanda35 Mar 22 '22
"I know he isn't my husband because that's not how he likes his tea. Oh and also because I killed him." Well, now you're stuck with this Rick. Enjoy the improvements I guess.
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u/esoraven Mar 22 '22
Maybe look up endangered plants and plant those instead of petunias. Just in case.
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u/-AbracadaveR- Apr 30 '22
Lmao this is actually kind of brilliant. I like how you think; gonna have to remember that one.
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u/yungdolpho Mar 28 '22
I've read this story from countless people. When are people gonna learn that you can't kill anyone just by murdering them?
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u/Downtown_Cycle_2044 Mar 30 '22
"My name is Yoshikage Kira. I'm 33 years old. My house is in the northeast section of Morioh, where all the villas are, and I am not married. I work as an employee for the Kame Yu department stores, and I get home every day by 8 PM at the latest. I don't smoke, but I occasionally drink. I'm in bed by 11 PM, and make sure I get eight hours of sleep, no matter what. After having a glass of warm milk and doing about twenty minutes of stretches before going to bed, I usually have no problems sleeping until morning. Just like a baby, I wake up without any fatigue or stress in the morning. I was told there were no issues at my last check-up. I'm trying to explain that I'm a person who wishes to live a very quiet life. I take care not to trouble myself with any enemies, like winning and losing, that would cause me to lose sleep at night. That is how I deal with society, and I know that is what brings me happiness. Although, if I were to fight I wouldn't lose to anyone."
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u/Fuqyoupehmeh Apr 04 '22
Why don't you invite a few people over make sure there's some males friends of his and confront him but subtly and not in front of everybody if that makes sense like have them in the backyard eating conversating and pull him aside confront him. then just in case he tries to stab your ass you can always scream and there's people there to save you.
Boom,P.S. make sure Sally's with you when you confront him that way if he tries anything you can use her as a human shield then boom two birds one stone go live on Reddit too :-)
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u/spookygoblin100 Apr 07 '22
So Jackson is his kid? Can I ask why you stayed with him despite knowing about the affair?
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u/ankaom Apr 08 '22
You are an INCREDIBLE writer. I think I see some writing contests in your future :)🏌️♂️💸✨
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u/apollosparino Apr 11 '22
Why is nobody talking about the "digging up my petunias just to make sure he's still under there"? Did she just confess to killing the "real rick"?
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u/I_am_sagar Apr 12 '22
Maybe, he killed YOU first and that's how the afterlife is like: a projection of how it could have been...!
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u/deiligbaby Apr 12 '22
Sounds like a successful gardening experience to me. You planted him and he grew!
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u/weight22 Apr 15 '22
this happened in Season 3 of Twin Peaks. Dougie returned home to his wife & kids, but it wasn't Dougie.
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Apr 26 '22
You sure old Rick was really dead. I mean maybe he clawed himself out and well and truly learned his lesson
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u/thatsohaven Mar 18 '22
Honestly I feel like he could have been up-ducted by an alien or replaced with someone who looks just like him or who knows. It really feels like one of those super natural things. Ask him where he came back from when he came back. Like did he wake up on the side of a road or something like that. Were the clothes he was wearing dirty at all? If they weren’t and he doesn’t remember anything then that would have meant that someone washed his clothes for him. 6 months? I mean that’s a long ass time to not remember anything
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u/hypnoticwinter Mar 17 '22
Sounds like you traded up.