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"The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands" is a short story written by Stephen King. It was original published in the fourth edition of the Shadows anthology in 1981, and later included in King's own 1985 collection Skeleton Crew.

Summary

George Gregson, an aged, wealthy man recounts a card game he played in many years ago where he met Henry Brower, an odd man who refused to touch anyone, recoiling from contact in fear. After Brower wins the game, a young player leaps up and shakes his hand enthusiastically. Brower screams and bolts from the room. Gregson then makes it his mission to find him and give him his winnings. It is revealed shortly thereafter that the young player who shook Brower's hand died of a brain aneurysm.

Gregson speaks with an old associate of Brower's, who tells him the title character was cursed by an Indian shaman after an unfortunate accident where Brower accidentally caused the death of a boy. He is now cursed to cause the death of any person he touches. Gregson eventually learns that Brower died in a hotel room, one hand firmly grasping the other.

This tale is narrated by Gregson in The Club, where The Breathing Method is also told.

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