27 Comments
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Will Boucher's avatar

Hooked right from the start. What a wild one. I felt like a tourist watching a mutant carnival whip around me. When it was over, I was left with an unnamable memory I can't quite ascribe to a particular scene--you achieved something brilliant and greater than the sum of its parts, bravo!

Bill Hiatt's avatar

Very original and definitely haunting--the kind of story that sticks with a reader.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you, Bill! It was a wild one to write. :)

Sudana Krasniqi's avatar

Ahhh the Bacchus line reminded me so much of that scene in A Secret History!

What a masterfully done piece, and now I’m listening to that song too.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Ha! As soon as I wrote that line I thought about Secret History! Thank you, Sudana!

Ika Wright's avatar

Gruesomely beautiful. You have a thing for the morbid don't you? I really can't help but picture your pieces in black and white. I don't know why, maybe it fits the mood. The atmosphere is really well written, brought about that stench of blood in my nose too.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

I love that it comes across in black and white for you. Thank you for your kind words, Ika!

Jennifer Morrow's avatar

So engaging! Well done, and congrats!

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you, Jennifer! <3

Lizzy Co (she/they)'s avatar

You write good villains in your fiction, but the true killer is you, my friend. Another banger in the canon.👊

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

You're going to give me a big head! Thank you! Thank you! <3

Lizzy Co (she/they)'s avatar

Architects in future generations shall call it the McDonnell Door, so named for its extra width, intended to accommodate a case of well-earned big-head.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

One can only dream! hahaha

Jon T's avatar

Really well done Sean. The voice in this is so textured. Amazing language. Loved this piece!

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you, Jon! It was a blast to write. <3

Bridget Riley's avatar

Wow, this is incredible! Very sensory language, and you balanced mystery and clarity so well.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thanks, Bridget! It was a hot mess in the early drafts. haha

EJ Trask's avatar

this is so good

Iris Shaw's avatar

Great story! I remember practicing that piece on the violin, years ago - I doubt I'll think about it the same way now.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you! 🙏🏼 It’s such a beautiful song. I listened to it a lot during the writing of this story.

Julie's avatar

Riveting!

Jp Slouch's avatar

*Chef’s Kiss

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Boyardee, is that you?? Thanks homie.

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Mar 25, 2024
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