Morning Deliveries (Milkman No. 1)

Landon

Morning Deliveries (Milkman No. 1) is a short story written by Stephen King, first published in the 1985 anthology Skeleton Crew. The story is a chilling narrative that follows the daily routine of a milkman who delivers more than just milk to the residents of a suburban neighborhood. Unlike traditional milkmen, this character distributes items that bring horror and despair to the recipients, such as poisonous gas, venomous snakes, and other deadly surprises. The story is a blend of the mundane and the macabre, showcasing King's talent for transforming everyday scenarios into scenes of terror.

Plot Summary

The story opens with the milkman, named Spike, beginning his morning deliveries. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Spike is no ordinary milkman. His deliveries include a variety of macabre items, each tailored to bring about the demise or suffering of the recipient. The narrative follows Spike as he makes his rounds, leaving behind his lethal "gifts" without any hint of remorse or hesitation. The story does not delve deeply into Spike's background or motivations, leaving the reader to ponder the origins of his malevolent mission. The unsettling atmosphere is compounded by the normalcy of the suburban setting, making the milkman's twisted deliveries all the more shocking.

Themes and Analysis

Morning Deliveries (Milkman No. 1) explores themes of evil, the disruption of the mundane by the macabre, and the hidden horrors that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life. King uses the figure of the milkman, traditionally seen as a benign and even comforting presence, to subvert expectations and create a sense of unease. The story can be seen as a commentary on the potential for darkness within the ordinary and the idea that evil can manifest in the most unexpected of places and forms.

Reception

While Morning Deliveries (Milkman No. 1) may not be as widely recognized as some of Stephen King's other works, it is appreciated by fans and critics for its concise storytelling, atmospheric tension, and the way it plays with horror tropes. The story is often cited as an example of King's ability to evoke fear from everyday situations, turning the familiar into the source of terror.

In Popular Culture

Though Morning Deliveries (Milkman No. 1) has not been adapted into film or television, its themes and narrative style have influenced various works in the horror genre that explore similar concepts of hidden evils and the dark side of the mundane. The story's premise of a malevolent milkman serves as a reminder of the potential for horror in the most ordinary of roles and settings.

See Also

• Skeleton Crew
• Stephen King
• Horror fiction