Laurie (short story)
One September, Lloyd is visited by his older sister, Beth, who gifts him a Border Collie-Mudi puppy out of concern for his wellbeing."[1] Lloyd Sunderland and Laurie make a cameo appearance in King's 2024 novella Rattlesnakes, attending the funeral of a resident of the Key.[11] Mike Finn suggested that "there's no high horror here but there is a solid story", describing "Laurie" as "another take on being old and alone and trying to give your life shape and purpose".[12] Writing for Corriere della Sera, Stefano Ferri described "Laurie" as a "very strange story", suggesting "the plot has nothing to do with the dog but only with the owner".[14] Reviewing You Like It Darker for The Spectator World, Brice Stratford interpreted the collection as being a reflection on King's own life, with "Laurie" being an "exploration of old age and mortality".