The story feels like a quiet reckoning - - Mark’s ghost stepping in where human justice failed. What really struck me wasn’t just the haunting, but how fear itself changes shape between the living and the dead. Ryan’s panic mirrors Liam’s final terror, almost like the same emotion circling back for balance.
It made me wonder if that symmetry was deliberate - - were you exploring the way trauma passes from victim to bully, or was it simply the price of surviving something you can’t quite explain?
Thank you for your kind words. I tried to leave as much unanswered as possible. I just prefer endings that make me think rather than endings that answer everything, and love reading a book where you are left to wonder about some of what happened. Books that give you all the answers are finished when you turn the final page. I much prefer reading books that linger for a little longer, so I try to do the same when I can.
I really appreciate the restacking too, thank you.
Literally couldn't stop reading this! I could see and feel that fog too. Great writing
Thank you so much. That means a lot coming from somebody who really can write, very much appreciated.
Nice to have you back. You have been a bit quiet, and the place isn’t the same without you.
😂😂 I've been getting the overtime in for Christmas lol
More time at work.
Lucky fucking you.
Absolutely brilliant. Thank you for this experience :)
Thank you so much.
Comments like this restore my faith in Substack. Very much appreciated.
The story feels like a quiet reckoning - - Mark’s ghost stepping in where human justice failed. What really struck me wasn’t just the haunting, but how fear itself changes shape between the living and the dead. Ryan’s panic mirrors Liam’s final terror, almost like the same emotion circling back for balance.
It made me wonder if that symmetry was deliberate - - were you exploring the way trauma passes from victim to bully, or was it simply the price of surviving something you can’t quite explain?
Thank you for your kind words. I tried to leave as much unanswered as possible. I just prefer endings that make me think rather than endings that answer everything, and love reading a book where you are left to wonder about some of what happened. Books that give you all the answers are finished when you turn the final page. I much prefer reading books that linger for a little longer, so I try to do the same when I can.
I really appreciate the restacking too, thank you.
Wonderfully chilling.
Thank you.
I merely wish to make people feel a little uncomfortable next time they have to walk in the dark.
I think you have succeeded. That feeling something is off when alone…
I shall be staying in. In a manly and non scared way. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Great twist. The familiar becoming unfamiliar as dark settles in.
Thank you. That's a great thing about Substack. You get to write short stories you wouldn't normally make time for.
Makes me wish I would’ve written something for this Halloween! Fantastic!
Thank you.
Well, you have a year to think about the next one.
You know you want to.