Dream Town

by Henry Slesar

"Dream Town" by Henry Slesar is a speculative fiction story written in the mid-20th century. It follows the experiences of Sol Becker, a New York advertising executive, who finds himself in a strange little town that illustrates the bizarre intersections of reality and dreams. The narrative hinges on the peculiar customs and inhabitants of this town, particularly their mysterious connection to a dream world known as Armagon. In the story, Sol Becker arrives in the town after his car is stolen by a hitchhiker. He is taken in by a welcoming yet unusual family, who introduce him to the oddities of their community. As he interacts with the townsfolks—including little Sally, who is keen on participating in the town's dream world—Sol becomes increasingly intrigued by the executions and rituals that seem to take place within this peculiar setting. He learns of the "Knights" and the enigmatic "exelution," which hints at something far more sinister than mere dreams. Ultimately, the blending of his reality with the dreamlike world of Armagon leaves Sol questioning the nature of his own existence and whether he might ever detach from this unsettling experience.