Beyond the Door

Published in January 1954 in Fantastic Universe, 'Beyond the Door' is a short fantasy story by Philip K. Dick. It follows Larry Thomas, who gifts a cuckoo clock to his wife, Doris, only to find that the clock becomes a catalyst for emotional turmoil in their relationship. As Doris develops an attachment to the clock and its cuckoo, Larry's jealousy and resentment grow, leading to tragic consequences. The story explores themes of love, jealousy, and the complex connections between humans and inanimate objects.