A Cruel Bet is a short story written by Thomas Ligotti, which was first published in 1991 in his collection “Grimscribe: His Lives and Works”. The story is known for its dark and unsettling themes, which are characteristic of Ligotti’s style.

In “A Cruel Bet,” the protagonist, a man named Michael, is introduced to a mysterious and wealthy figure named Duster by his friend, Paul. Duster is known for making unusual bets with people, and he proposes a bet to Michael that seems simple at first: to spend a month living in a small, seemingly ordinary house that Duster owns, cut off from the outside world, with no access to clocks or other time-telling devices. If Michael can last the entire month without leaving the house, he will win a substantial amount of money.

However, the house is not what it appears. As Michael stays there, he begins to experience strange and unsettling phenomena, including the sensation that time is behaving oddly. Days seem to stretch into weeks, and Michael’s mental state begins to deteriorate. The line between reality and hallucination blurs, and Michael becomes convinced that the house is alive and is playing a game with him, torturing him for its amusement.

The story explores themes of isolation, madness, and the distortion of perception, leading to a chilling and ambiguous conclusion. It is a prime example of Ligotti’s brand of horror, which often delves into the psychological and philosophical aspects of fear and existential dread.

Please note that the story is a work of fiction and should be enjoyed as such. If you are looking for a summary or analysis of the story, or if you have specific questions about it, feel free to ask!