This was written to be read aloud at a Ghost Story event in Manchester just a week before Christmas 2019. Although attendance was low, it received a good reception, which is always heartening.
Grey Mary is based on a real folk tradition called Mari Lwyd which takes place in the winter months in South Wales. Folk Horror writer Howard David Ingham who grew up and lives in Wales checked the story over for me before the event and declared the traditions and Welsh elements sound. As for my attempts at pronouncing some of the words on the night… well, that’s another matter!