Summary

“The Raft” by Stephen King is a short story about four college students – two young men: Randy and Deke - and two young women: Rachel and LaVerne. The four decide to go on an adventure after having quite a bit to drink. 

They decide to go for a swim to Cascade Lake 40 miles from Pittsburgh, even though it is the end of October, and no one goes to the lake this time of year. They undress, go into the freezing lake, and swim to the raft in the middle of it. Deke goes in first, followed by Randy. Rachel and LaVerne follow them, when Randy notices a strange oil slick that seems to be moving towards them. 

Deke dismisses Randy’s suspicion that the oil slick is trying to get near them until Rachel, mesmerized by the bright colors, decides to touch it. The creature instantly latches onto Rachel’s hand, pulling her towards itself and gradually dissolving her everywhere i...